VUSIMUZI SIBANDA will captain Zimbabwe ‘A’ cricket team touring Bangladesh for two unofficial Tests and three unofficial One Day International (ODI) matches in Dhaka.
Zimbabwe ‘A’ is the developmental cricket team that will meet the hosts’ ‘A’ side.
The 20-man team left Harare on Tuesday for the three weeks tour of the Asian country.
The tour is meant to gauge the performance of players for selection into the senior team.
Zimbabwe are using the games to prepare for next year’s ICC World Cup in New Zealand.
Sibanda, a seasoned opening batsman will be in charge for the side that arrives in Dhaka a month earlier than the senior team.
The senior team will then play the hosts in three tests and five ODIs in a month-long tour of the Asian country.
Zimbabwe’s tour was initially scheduled for June, but the monsoon weather in Asia led to a postponement.
Mark Vermulen (35), who is no stranger to controversy, returned to international cricket in the Test against South Africa and made a strong impression. The right handed batsman was once arrested for arson after he tried to burn down Zimbabwe Cricket Academy, but was later cleared of the charge due to mental illness.
The inconsistent service to the national team has resulted in Vermulen failing to become a regular and consistent player in the game.
But he has vast experience which may add value to the national team.
Masvingo-born Richmond Mutumbami made it into the Zimbabwe ‘A’ side.
He is one of the rising stars and bright prospects for the future.
The 25-year-old had his test debut in April 2013 against Bangladesh and has played in five test matches.
He is a wicketkeeper, right-hand batsman and right-arm off break bowler.
Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Tinotenda Mawoyo, Tawanda Mupariwa, Malcom Waller and Shingirai Masakadza made it into the travelling team.
The first test match starts on September 17 to 24 before the second test begins on September 21 to 24.
The three ODIs will be played on September 27, 29 and October 1.
Mufaro Chiturumani is the head coach assisted by Shepherd Makunura while former Zimbabwe pace bowler Douglas Hondo will be the bowlers’ coach.
Zimbabwe ‘A’ Squad
Vusimuzi Sibanda (captain), Regis Chakabva, Brian Chari, Michael Chinouya, Joylord Gumbie, Luke Jongwe, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Neville Madziva, Lovemore Gumunyu-Manatsa, Timycen Maruma, Shingirai Masakadza, Tinotenda Mawoyo, Kudakwashe Munyede, Tawanda Mupariwa, Forster Mutizwa, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Richmond Mutumbami, Taurai Muzarabani, Mark Vermeulen, Malcolm Waller.