Brendan Taylor named new Zimbabwe captain

Harare: Wicketkeeper-batsman Brendan Taylor was On Friday named as Zimbabwe`s new captain ahead of their triangular one-day series against Australia `A` and South Africa `A` starting on June 29.

The announcement was made by a spokesperson following a Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) board meeting held at Harare Sports Club today. The 25-year-old Taylor, who has played 118 ODIs, scoring 21 half-centuries and three hundreds with a top ODI score of 145 not out against South Africa in 2010, will take over the reins from allrounder Elton Chigumbura. Taylor currently plays for the Kwekwe based franchise, Midwest Rhinos. "We have watched Taylor develop into a mature, experienced player and we stand fully behind him in his new role," said ZC managing director, Ozias Bvute. Meanwhile, the national selectors also announced the 15-member Zimbabwe XI squad lead by Tayor for the one-day matches against the Australia and South Africa A sides. After the final one-dayer in the triangular series, the Zimbabwe XI will host Australia A in a two-day warm-up match beginning on July 11. Vusimuzi Sibanda will captain the team during the two-day warm up tie at Kwekwe Sports Club.Once the warm-up match is over, the hosts will play Australia A in two four-day matches in Harare, beginning on the 15th and the 21st of July. The national selectors will announce the Zimbabwe XI squad for these matches later. ODI Team: Brendan Taylor (Captain), Regis Chakabva, Chatara, Tendai, Elton Chigumbura, Craig Ervine, Hamilton Masakadza, Keegan Meth, Christopher Mpofu, Forster Mutizwa, Raymond Price, Vusimuzi Sibanda, Tatenda Taibu, Prosper Utseya, Brian Vitori, and Malcolm Waller.Team for warm-up match: Vusimuzi Sibanda (C), Regis Chakabva, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Elton Chigumbura, Kyle Jarvis, Gregory Lamb, Shingirai Masakadza, Tinotenda Mawoyo, Natsai Mushangwe, Forster Mutizwa, Njabulo Ncube, Tinashe Panyangara, Malcolm Waller. PTI