Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has announced Richard Ngarava, a pace bowler, as the new captain for both Test and One Day
International (ODI) matches. The announcement was made in an official statement on December 20th.
Ngarava, who is 27 years old, first played internationally in 2017 in an ODI against Afghanistan. Since then, he has
become an important player for Zimbabwe across all three cricket formats.
Tavengwa Mukuhlani, the Chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket, stated, "Richard Ngarava has demonstrated significant development
as both a player and a leader. He is well-respected in the dressing room and has consistently performed for Zimbabwe in
all formats of the game. We are confident that he is prepared to lead the team forward."
Ngarava's record includes 70 wickets in 55 ODIs, with an average of 30.68. He has also played in 11 Test matches, taking
In addition to Ngarava's appointment, Brian Bennett, aged 22, has been named the team's new vice-captain. Bennett has
quickly established himself in all three formats and is considered a promising young talent. After excelling in the
Under-19 side, he debuted in all senior international formats by age 21.
Mukuhlani commented on Bennett's appointment: "Brian's selection as vice-captain shows our faith in his cricketing
knowledge, maturity, and potential for future leadership. He embodies the future of Zimbabwean cricket."
Bennett's career includes 11 Test matches with 509 runs, including Zimbabwe's fastest Test century. He has also scored
348 runs in 11 ODIs, with a top score of 169 against Ireland earlier in the year.
The outgoing captain, Craig Ervine, was also acknowledged by the chairman. Ervine initially captained Zimbabwe in a Test
match against Bangladesh in 2020 and took over the ODI team captaincy in 2021.
Mukuhlani added, "Craig Ervine provided leadership with professionalism, resilience, and dignity throughout a
challenging period. ZC is very thankful for his contribution to the team’s stability and progress."