Brian Bennett to Captain Zimbabwe in Afghanistan Tests as Graeme Cremer Returns
Zimbabwe Cricket has named Brian Bennett captain for the two-Test series against Afghanistan in Sharjah, with Richard Ngarava out with a back injury and leg-spinner Graeme Cremer back in the Test squad.
By John · 4 Nov 2026 · 2 min read
Brian Bennett will captain Zimbabwe in two Tests against Afghanistan at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The first Test starts on 5 November and the second on 13 November. Zimbabwe Cricket named a 17-man squad on 4 November. Richard Ngarava, the regular captain, is still out with a back injury, and fast bowler Tanaka Chivanga also misses the series through injury.
Old hands and new faces
Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine stayed in the UAE after the ODI tri-series to get ready for the Tests. Fast bowler Ernest Masuku, who has yet to play a Test, is also in the squad. Antum Naqvi, an all-rounder, now qualifies for Zimbabwe under ICC rules and has also been picked. Kundai Matigimu and Vincent Masekesa are back in the Test group.
The return of Graeme Cremer gives Bennett a specialist leg-spinner for the series. Blessing Muzarabani is the spearhead of the seam attack.
Building on June
Zimbabwe's biggest Test win came in June, when they beat Bangladesh at Harare Sports Club by an innings and 85 runs. Much of that team is in this squad.
The Tests are the last part of Zimbabwe’s tour of the UAE, which also included an ODI tri-series against Afghanistan and Bangladesh and a T20I series against Afghanistan.
The full squad is:
- Brian Bennett (captain)
- 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
- Wessly Madhevere
