Brian Bennett set to captain Zimbabwe in Test series against Afghanistan

Bennett will lead an experienced Zimbabwe batting unit with Craig Ervine and Brendan Taylor also included in the squad, while Ben Curran is set to continue at the top of the order.

Belgian-born allrounder Antum Naqvi could also make his debut for the African nation having now met the ICC's criteria for eligibility.

The 27-year-old Naqvi has been playing domestic cricket in his adopted country since 2023 and has a fabulous batting average of 60.35 in 24 first-class matches, while also taking 62 wickets.

Blessing Muzarabani will lead the pace attack in the absence of Ngarava, with fellow seamers Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Kundai Matigimu and the uncapped Ernest Masuku also in the 17-man group.

Zimbabwe have recalled 40-year-old spinner Graeme Cremer, having last played in the longest format against South Africa in December 2017, joining fellow slow-bowlers Vincent Masekesa and Wellington Masakadza.

The first Test against Afghanistan starts in Sharjah on Thursday, with the final game of the series to begin at the same venue from 13 November.

Zimbabwe Test squad: 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

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