NewKerala.com

Key Points

Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine has been ruled out of the entire ODI series against Sri Lanka due to a calf injury. Veteran all-rounder Sean Williams will take over captaincy duties in his absence. This series also marks the international return of experienced batter Brendon Taylor after nearly four years away from the national team. The first ODI saw Sri Lanka post a strong total of 298/6 thanks to half-centuries from three different batsmen.

Key Points: Craig Ervine Ruled Out of Sri Lanka ODI Series with Calf Injury

  • Craig Ervine suffers Grade II calf strain ruling him out entire series
  • Sean Williams appointed Zimbabwe captain for Sri Lanka ODIs
  • Brendon Taylor makes international comeback after 4-year absence
  • Sri Lanka posts 298/6 with three half-centuries in first ODI
2 min read

Zimbabwe skipper Craig Ervine ruled out of Sri Lanka series

Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine out of Sri Lanka ODIs with calf strain. Sean Williams to lead as Brendon Taylor returns after 4-year absence from international cricket.

"An MRI scan on Thursday confirmed that the 40-year-old sustained a Grade II strain in his left calf - ICC"

Harare, August 29

Zimbabwe skipper Craig Ervine has been ruled out of the ODI series against Sri Lanka due to a calf injury, as per ICC.

An MRI scan on Thursday confirmed that the 40-year-old sustained a Grade II strain in his left calf, along with a chronic and resolving Grade I strain in his right calf, ruling him out of the entire series, it said.

In Ervine's absence, veteran all-rounder Sean Williams will captain Zimbabwe in the two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, said the ICC.

The contest marks Zimbabwe's return to ODI cricket following their recent home assignments, where they hosted South Africa and New Zealand for two Test matches each, along with a T20I tri-series.

This is also the comeback series for experienced batter Brendon Taylor, who returns to international cricket after nearly four years, having last represented Zimbabwe in September 2021 against Ireland.

The first ODI is taking place today, while the second ODI is on August 31. The two sides will then shift focus to a three-match T20I series.

In the first ODI, Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to field first. Three half-centuries from Pathum Nissanka (76 in 92 balls, with 12 fours), Janith Liyanage (70* in 47 balls, with six fours and three sixes) and Kamindu Mendis (57* in 36 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) took Sri Lanka to 298/6 in 50 overs.

Richard Ngarava (2/34) was the pick of the bowlers for Zimbabwe.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Sean Williams is a good choice for captaincy. He's been around for years and knows the team well. Zimbabwe needs stability right now.
A
Arjun K
Welcome back Brendon Taylor! 4 years is a long time away from international cricket. Hope he makes a strong comeback 💪
S
Sarah B
Zimbabwe's bowling looking decent with Ngarava's performance, but 299 is a tough chase against Sri Lanka's bowling attack. Let's see how they respond!
V
Vikram M
Grade II strain at 40 is tough to recover from quickly. Zimbabwe cricket board should focus on building younger talent alongside experienced players.
M
Michael C
Sri Lanka's middle order looks dangerous with Liyanage and Mendis both finishing strong. Zimbabwe's bowlers will need to be more disciplined in the death overs.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50