Zimbabwe announce new Test and ODI captain and vice-captain

On Saturday (December 20), Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) announced the new captain and vice-captain of the men's national cricket team for the Test and ODI formats. These new decisions have been taken due to Craig Ervine's stepping down from the leadership roles.

Richard Ngarava is new Zimbabwe Test and ODI captain

The 27-year-old Richard Ngarava, the left-arm fast bowler, has been named as the new Test and ODI captain of Zimbabwe men's national cricket team. He has played 156 international matches, including 11 Tests, 55 ODIs, and 90 T20Is.

Richard Ngarava made his international cricket debut in 2017 during the home ODI series against Afghanistan. In 2019, he made his T20I debut against Singapore in the Singapore Twenty20 Tri-Series. In 2021, the pacer made his Test debut during the home Test against Pakistan.

In his international cricket career, Ngarava has taken 25 Test wickets, 70 ODI wickets, and 108 T20I wickets. He is Zimbabwe's leading T20I wicket-taker and sixth most international wicket-taker.

ZC Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani stated, "Ngarava has shown remarkable growth as a player and leader over the years. He commands respect within the dressing room and has consistently delivered for Zimbabwe across all formats. We believe he is ready to lead the team into its next chapter."

Brian Bennett becomes Zimbabwe's vice-captain in Test and ODI formats

On the other hand, the 22-year-old Brian Bennett has been chosen as the vice-captain of Zimbabwe's Test and ODI sides. After making his T20I debut in December 2023, he made his Test and ODI debuts in 2024. The all-rounder has already played 11 Tests, 11 ODIs, and 52 T20Is.

ZC Chairman added, "Brian's appointment as vice-captain reflects our confidence in his cricketing intelligence, maturity and long-term leadership potential. He represents the future of Zimbabwean cricket. Craig Ervine led with professionalism, resilience and dignity during a challenging period. ZC is deeply grateful for his contribution to the team's stability and progress."