As he gets ready to lead the Chevrons against Afghanistan in the first game of their two-Test series in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, today, Brian Bennett believes that leading Zimbabwe in Test cricket for the first time is a boyhood dream come true. In the absence of injured regular captain Richard Ngarava, the 22-year-old assumes the captaincy. The vice-captain views the chance as a great honour and privilege.
The team’s most notable member is veteran leg-spinner, Graeme Cremer. This return brings him back to the longest format after almost nine years away, since his most recent Test participation was in December 2017. The squad’s general composition has also changed as a result of Tanaka Chivanga’s injury.
Antum Naqvi can now represent Zimbabwe at the Test level thanks to ICC eligibility regulations. When Naqvi, who was born in Brussels to Pakistani parents and relocated to Australia when he was four years old, was chosen in October 2025, it was said that he was finally qualified for Zimbabwe. Kundai Matigimu and Vincent Masekesa are also returning to the Test team for this series.
The Chevrons enter the Afghanistan assignment after a hectic tour of the United Arab Emirates that featured a T20 International series against the hosts and an ODI tri-series between Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Bennett acknowledged the short turnaround after the T20I series ended on Sunday, but he claimed the team had prepared enough to meet the demands of the five-day format.
Zimbabwe’s full squad for the Afghanistan Tests in Sharjah:
Antum Naqvi, Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Graeme Cremer, Innocent Kaia, Ernest Masuku, Kundai Matigimu, Newman Nyamhuri, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, and Wessly Madhevere.
