Ervine, Williams return for 1st Tests against Tigers

Zimbabwe have named a 15-man squad for their upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, marking the team's first red-ball assignment in the country since 2020.

Veteran all-rounder Sean Williams returned to the squad after recovering from a back injury, while captain Craig Ervine is also back to lead the side following his late withdrawal from the Test against Ireland earlier this year, according to the global cricket governing body International Cricket Council (ICC), reports bdnews24.com.

Apart from the return of the big names, the squad also sees a few notable changes, with wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga being recalled two years after making his Test debut against West Indies.

Wellington Masakadza, who last played a Test in 2023 against West Indies, also returns to the side, while Wessly Madhevere retains his place in the squad, having been a last-minute call-up to replace Ervine in the Test against Ireland.

Nicholas Welch, who impressed with a 90 on debut against Ireland, has also been called up while uncapped leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa was the only new face in the squad, the ICC said.

Wicketkeeper-batter Joylord Gumbie, young pacer Newman Nyamhuri and top-order batter Takudzwanashe Kaitano all missed out on selection.