Zimbabwe have named a 17-man squad for their two-match Test series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates, with vice-captain Brian Bennett set to lead the side in the absence of injured skipper Richard Ngarava.

Bennett takes over captaincy as Zimbabwe prepare to conclude their UAE tour with a red-ball assignment following a difficult run in the limited-overs formats. Ngarava remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a back injury, while fast bowler Tanaka Chivanga has also been ruled out through injury.

The squad retains much of the group that delivered Zimbabwe’s biggest Test victory in June, when they defeated Bangladesh by an innings and 85 runs at Harare Sports Club. That experience provides a strong foundation as the team turns its attention to the longer format.

There is considerable batting experience in the selection, with Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine joining Innocent Kaia, Ben Curran, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wessly Madhevere and Bennett. Taylor and Ervine stayed in the UAE after the ODI tri-series to prepare for the Test matches.

Veteran leg-spinner Graeme Cremer has also returned to the Test setup, while Antum Naqvi earns inclusion after meeting the ICC eligibility requirements to represent Zimbabwe. Kundai Matigimu and Vincent Masekesa are back in the squad, adding further options to the bowling department.

Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans headline the pace attack, alongside Newman Nyamhuri, Matigimu and uncapped fast bowler Ernest Masuku. Cremer, Masekesa and Wellington Masakadza provide the specialist spin options, with wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga completing the selection.

The first Test is scheduled for 5-9 November, with the second match set for 13-17 November. Both fixtures will be played in the UAE.

Zimbabwe will be looking to carry their strong performances in the longer format into the series, while Bennett faces his first assignment as captain in the absence of Ngarava.

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 and Wessly Madhevere.