Gary Balance will play Test cricket for the first time since 2017 after being called up by Zimbabwe’s side to face the West Indies in next month’s two-match series.
Sean Williams missed the Bulawayo Test as he recovered from a broken finger, and Craig Irvine returned to the Test for the first time in three years and captained the team in Williams’ absence.
Zimbabwe also miss all-rounders Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burr due to overseas franchise deals, while fast bowlers Tendai Chatala and Blessing Muzarabani are also injured.
The 16-man squad has a number of non-cap players, including Tafadzwa Tsiga, Joylord Gumbie, Kudzai Maunze and Tanunurwa Makoni, all recognized for their domestic performances in his Cup.
Innocent his Kaia, Bradley Evans and Tanaka his Chibhabha all have limited-time caps and could make Test his debut. Chamu Chibhabha was recalled six years after his last Test appearance, but also included veteran all-rounder Donald Tiripano.
Balance scored 400 points in 23 Tests for England between 2014 and 2017, averaging 37.45. He made his ODI debut earlier this month against Ireland.
The series, which starts at Queen’s Sports Club on Saturday, marks Zimbabwe’s return to Test his cricket after his 18-month hiatus.
Zimbabwe Test squad to play West Indies: Gary Ballance, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Tanaka Chivanga, Craig Ervine (capt), Bradley Evans, Joylord Gumbie, Innocent Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, Wellington Masakadza, Kudzai Maunze, Brandon Mavuta, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Milton Shumba, Donald Tiripano, Tafadzwa Tsiga