YOUNG SQUAD FOR AFGHANISTAN TOUR
Zimbabwe have selected a youthful squad to face Afghanistan in two Tests and three T20 international matches in Abu Dhabi.
Tarisai Musakanda, who had not played another Test match since he made his debut away to Sri Lanka in July 2017, has bounced back to reclaim his place in the national side following some impressive performances.
After being named the National Premier League batsman of the tournament, the 26-year-old has continued with his good form with the bat, hitting back-to-back centuries for the Southerns select side in the four-day matches that Zimbabwe have been using to prepare for the upcoming tour.
Another in-form player in line to make what would also be only his second Test appearance is Ryan Burl, also aged 26, after the selectors included him among the 15 players picked for the five-day matches.
Wessly Madhevere, the 20-year-old sensation who has already caused waves in limited-overs international cricket, is also set to earn his Test cap.
The travelling squad also includes other youthful players in Blessing Muzarabani, 24, Brandon Mavuta, 23, Richard Ngarava, 23, Wellington
Masakadza, 27, and Kevin Kasuza, 27.
Captain Sean Williams together with Sikandar Raza Butt, Regis Chakabva and Donald Tiripano will provide Zimbabwe with the much-needed experience for the series.
Conspicuous by their absence from the squad are the veteran duo of Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine who both failed to join the national team camp due to illness and could thus not be considered for the tour.
Tendai Chatara and Chamu Chibhabha have also missed out as they are still yet to fully recover from right upper-arm and thigh muscle injuries respectively.
PJ Moor was ruled out too after he suffered a hamstring injury during a practice match this week.
Zimbabwe are set to leave for Abu Dhabi via Dubai this Friday.
The trio of Milton Shumba, Faraz Akram and Tinashe Kamunhukamwe will join the squad later for the T20I series.
The first Test is scheduled for 2-6 March, with the second five-day match pencilled in for 10-14 March.
The T20I games will be played on 17, 19 and 20 March.
ZESCO United midfielder Thabani Kamusoko is happy with the progress he has made so far since returning to full fitness.
The Zimbabwean struggled with an ankle injury that saw him laid-off for the better part of 2019-20 season.
And it seems Kamusoko has rediscovered his form and is now a regular in the United team.
Speaking to H-Metro yesterday, Kamusoko said patience has helped him shrug off the setback.
“It’s good that I am back and getting that game time again. Truly speaking that injury has been a huge setback to me.
“I just trusted the process and remained patient knowing that the right time will come,” said Kamusoko.
Kamusoko was injured while enjoying a purple patch in the Zambian Super League - ranked among the best performing players across Zambezi.
The performance also saw him being included in the Warriors team that participated at the Egypt Afcon finals in 2019.
He has scored in their 3-1 win over Buildcon at the weekend to take his tally to two this season.
He said returning to scoring terms will also help him boost his confidence and rediscover his form.
“I scored in our previous game and it’s my second goal this season. I started on a couple of games and rose from the bench as well.
“I think I am back though I feel I still have a lot to do to be where I was. I had set my goals before that injury and I still want to achieve them,” added Kamusoko.
The former Young Africans player said the focus at the moment is on helping his team win the championship.
They are third on the standings, a point behind leaders
Zanaco while tied on 28 points with Forest Rangers.
“When you go through such a setback in life you don’t need to rush but trust the process and good things will follow.
“At the moment I want to help the team, help the team achieve and possibly win the championship. The competition is tight and I think we are doing well as a team,” he said.
Kamusoko is teammate to countryman Tafadzwa Rusike.