Zimbabwe’s regular captain Richard Ngarava has been ruled out of the 3-match ODI series against Australia starting on Tuesday, 15th September, 2026, with back issues. As a result, the current T20I captain Sikandar Raza will lead the side in his absence. The tall left-arm pacer Richard Ngarava failed to make it to Namibia for the Tri-series which included South Africa and Namibia, due to a lower back problem that could be chronic.
According to reports in ESPN Cricinfo, this may not be a minor injury as we think. It could well be serious enough to rule him out not just for this series, but even for a longer duration of time. The Australia matches he will miss, but also forthcoming series as well. Zimbabwe has a busy, hectic schedule coming their way as they have to make the trip to the UAE in the month of October, where they will be involved in a tri-series against Afghanistan, the hosts, and Bangladesh. That’s not all; the Chevrons are set to play a 2-Test series against Afghanistan, which will complete a busy 2026 for them.
Blessing Muzarabani expected to lead pace attack in Richard Ngarava’s absence
With Richard Ngarava ruled out and absent from this series, Blessing Muzarabani is also set to lead the Zimbabwe pace attack. Giving Muzarabani company will be talented bowlers in Brad Evans and Newman Nyamhuri. One of the other pace bowling options in Tanaka Chivanga is also unavailable as he is suffering from an Achilles concern.
Brendan Taylor included in Zimbabwe’s squad
Former captain and legendary player for Zimbabwe, Brendan Taylor has been included and recalled into the squad. He may well share the wicket-keeping duties with talented keeper Tadiwanashe Marumani. Brendan Taylor has not featured in the 50-overs format for a year having last played in August 2025 in an ODI against the Sri Lankans. As a result, talented Clive Madande missed out on a place in this squad.
Brendan Taylor’s inclusion, alongside Craig Ervine in the middle-order, will be important from Zimbabwe’s point of view, because this is a line-up that has been over-reliant on Brian Bennett.
Graeme Cremer returns to the ODI squad since 2018
Former captain and leg spinner Graeme Cremer recently made his comeback from a serious arm injury in the tri-series in Namibia. He last played an ODI in 2018 and will now play after 8 years in the ODI setup, after being named in the squad. Graeme Cremer made his international comeback last year, when Zimbabwe were in hot pursuit of qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup held in India and Sri Lanka earlier this year. He has made himself available to play in all formats. The Chevrons beat Australia in that tournament on their way to the Super 8 stage and automatic qualification for the 2028 edition set to be played in Australia and New Zealand.
We are set for this series to start, as this will be Zimbabwe’s first ODI match-up against Australia since the Chevrons travelled Down Under in 2022 and this will be the first time the Kangaroos of Australia will visit the Chevrons of Zimbabwe in Zimbabwe for the first time since 2014, after a gap of 12 years in bilateral engagements. The three ODIs are set to be played and are scheduled for September 15th, 18th and 20th. All games are scheduled to be played at the Harare Sports Club, in Harare.
Zimbabwe ODI squad vs Australia
Sikandar Raza (c), Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Brendan Taylor, Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine, Ernest Masuku, Graeme Cremer, Innocent Kaia, Newman Nyamhuri, Ryan Burl, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Wessly Madhevere.
The stage is set for Zimbabwe vs Australia to start on Tuesday, September 15th, 2026. Zimbabwe will have their task cut out against the reigning ODI World Cup champions. With Richard Ngarava missing out due to injury, the challenge will be huge for Zimbabwe to contain Australia. Yes, the Chevrons did beat Australia recently, but that was in the shortest format of the game. They will definitely take confidence from that game, but this series will be a different challenge for the hosts.
Looking at the squad of both teams and pedigree in ODIs, it is safe to say that Australia will start this series as favourites, but counting out Zimbabwe will be a risk and doing it at your own peril. Let’s see how this 3-match ODI series shapes up starting on Tuesday.
Also Read:Â ZIM vs AUS: George Bailey Targets ODI WC 2027