Zimbabwe have confirmed their squad for a three-match ODI tour of Australia, with captain Craig Ervine missing the delayed trip down under with a hamstring injury.
The ODI series against Zimbabwe was originally supposed to be played last summer, however, was ultimately cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic and the associated difficulties with travelling.
Missing their captain - and one of their most experienced players - for a trip to Australia where all three games will be played in Townsville comes as a major blow to Zimbabwe, who have been presented an opportunity to stand up on the world stage.
Regis Chakabva will once again captain the side, while Blessing Muzarabani is the only addition to a squad which has recently given India a fright in Harare.
While the first two games of the three-match series saw India claim a ten-wicket and five-wicket win, Zimbabwe managed 276 in their pursuit of 289 during the third and final encounter.
The match saw Brad Evans lead the way with the ball, taking 5 for 54 in a stunning spell of bowling, before Sikandar Raza - who has played 120 ODIs for Zimbabwe - scored 115 from 95 balls to lead the chase.
Both Raza and Sean Williams, who bats at first drop for Zimbabwe, have played in Australia before having been part of the 2015 Cricket World Cup squad.
The only other member of the 2015 World Cup squad still playing for Zimbabwe is stand-in captain and wicket-keeper Regis Chakabva.
The first ODI will be played on Sunday in Townsville.
Zimbabwe squad
Ryan Burl, Regis Chakabva (captain), Bradley Evans, Luke Jongwe, Innocent Kaia, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams
Australia squad
Aaron Finch, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa
Fixtures
Sunday Aug 28: Riverway Stadium, Townsville, 9:40am (AEST)
Wednesday Aug 31: Riverway Stadium, Townsville, 9:40am (AEST)
Saturday Sep 3: Riverway Stadium, Townsville, 9:40am (AEST)
