Zimbabwe have been dealt a major blow on the eve of their ODI series against Sri Lanka, with captain Craig Ervine ruled out due to a calf injury.
The ICC confirmed in a statement Friday that an MRI scan revealed the 40-year-old suffered a Grade II strain in his left calf, along with a chronic Grade I strain in his right calf. The injury sidelines him for the entirety of the two-match ODI series at Harare Sports Club.
In Ervine’s absence, veteran all-rounder Sean Williams will take over captaincy duties.
The series also marks Zimbabwe’s return to ODI cricket following a busy home schedule that included Test series against South Africa and New Zealand, along with a T20I tri-nation competition.
Adding further intrigue, former skipper Brendon Taylor will make his international comeback after nearly four years away. Taylor last played for Zimbabwe in September 2021 against Ireland.
The first ODI is set for today (August 29), with the second to follow on August 31. The teams will then contest a three-match T20I series.
