Zimbabwe Cricket have announced a 15-member squad for their upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, with the Harare Sports Club set to host the visitors on September 15, 18 and 20. The series represents a major occasion for Zimbabwe, who will welcome one of the most established teams in international cricket for their first home ODI meetings since 2014.

Sikandar Raza to lead Zimbabwe in Richard Ngarava’s absence

All-rounder Sikandar Raza will captain Zimbabwe during the series, taking over the leadership responsibilities from regular ODI skipper Richard Ngarava. The left-arm seamer has been ruled out as he continues his recovery from a lower-back injury.

Raza’s leadership will be crucial against an Australian side known for its depth and experience. The 40-year-old has become one of Zimbabwe’s most influential players across formats and will be expected to contribute with both bat and ball while guiding a relatively varied squad.

Zimbabwe will also be without another experienced seamer, Tendai Chatara, who remains sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury.

Graeme Cremer and Brendan Taylor make notable returns

The biggest talking point from the squad is the return of former captain Graeme Cremer to Zimbabwe’s ODI setup. The leg-spinner last played an ODI in 2018 and is now set to make his comeback against Australia.

Cremer has already returned to Zimbabwe’s T20I setup, featuring at the T20 World Cup earlier this year before appearing in the Namibia T20I tri-series. His only previous ODI against Australia came during the 2011 World Cup, making his return particularly interesting.

Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Brendan Taylor is also included. Taylor returned to international cricket in 2025 after a four-year absence, playing two ODIs against Sri Lanka. He remains Zimbabwe’s second-highest run-scorer in ODI history and needs just 81 more runs to surpass Andy Flower‘s tally and become the country’s leading run-getter in the format. Tadiwanashe Marumani provides another wicketkeeping option in the squad.

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Key players included, while Clive Madande misses out

Zimbabwe have retained several familiar names, including Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine, Ryan Burl and Wessly Madhevere. However, wicketkeeper-batter Clive Madande has been left out after featuring in Zimbabwe’s previous ODI series against Bangladesh in July. His omission means Marumani could provide the primary alternative behind the stumps to Taylor.

The series will give Zimbabwe an opportunity to test their depth against a formidable Australian outfit while also providing returning veterans with a chance to make an impact on home soil.

Zimbabwe ODI squad for Australia series: Sikandar Raza (Captain), Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Brendan Taylor, Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine, Ernest Masuku, Graeme Cremer, Innocent Kaia, Newman Nyamhuri, Ryan Burl, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Wessly Madhevere

Also READ: Cricket Australia announces ODI fixtures for the historic tour of Zimbabwe 2026

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