Brian Bennett to captain Zimbabwe as Graeme Cremer returns for Afghanistan Tests

Sharjah will host a two-Test series between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan from November 5, 2026, with Brian Bennett confirmed as captain of Zimbabwe's 17-member squad. Regular skipper Richard Ngarava has been ruled out after sustaining a back injury, handing Bennett the leadership role for the series.

Veteran leg-spinner Graeme Cremer is the standout name in the squad. His most recent Test appearance dates to December 2017, meaning this recall brings him back to the longest format after nearly nine years away. Additionally, Tanaka Chivanga has been ruled out through injury, which contributed to the changes in the squad's overall shape.

ICC eligibility rules have now cleared the path for Antum Naqvi to represent Zimbabwe at Test level. Naqvi, who was born in Brussels to Pakistani parents and moved to Australia at the age of four, was described as finally eligible for Zimbabwe when he was selected in October 2025. Vincent Masekesa and Kundai Matigimu are also back in the Test squad for this series.

What changes have injuries forced in Zimbabwe's squad for this series?

The unavailability of Ngarava and Chivanga has reshaped Zimbabwe's squad considerably. Ngarava's back injury removes the regular captain from the equation entirely, while Chivanga's absence further depletes the pace resources. Bennett steps into the captaincy in these circumstances, and the selectors have responded by recalling Masekesa and Matigimu to bolster the seam-bowling options at his disposal.

Cremer's return addresses the spin department. With his last Test outing in December 2017, his inclusion signals that selectors value his experience against an Afghanistan side that has developed significantly in Test cricket over recent years. The squad as a whole reflects a blend of established names and players returning after periods away from the Test setup.

Zimbabwe's full squad for the Afghanistan Tests in Sharjah

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.