SOUTHERN Rocks batsman Roy Kaia is set for his Test debut after being named in Zimbabwe’s 16-men squad that will face the visiting Pakistan in a two-match Test series starting on Thursday.
Kaia who has been sojourning on the domestic scene for some time and consistently scoring runs for fun in the last two editions of the Logan Cup in the process helping Mountaineers to Logan Cup victory last season before repeating the same feat with Rocks this season under the same coach Shepherded Makunura.
The Highfield born player who was named batsman of the tournament has been rewarded for his consistency by the selectors.
With Sikander Raza missing out due to injury, Kaia is expected to slot in at number six in the order where Raza normally bats.
The national selectors added four other uncapped players in pace bowlers Tanaka Chivanga and Richard Ngarava, all-rounder Luke Jongwe and batsman Milton Shumba,
Former captain Brendan Taylor makes a welcome return to the squad after missing the Test series against Afghanistan due to injury.
Left-arm spinner Tendai Chisoro who was the Logan Cup bowler of the tournament also made the cut.
Craig Ervine who injured his calf in the first T20I against Pakistan continues with his recuperation with the Bangladesh full tour in mind which is pencilled in for mid-June.
Wesley Madhevere who is yet to get off the mark in the Test arena after two games and three innings was not included in the squad.
Williams who has been in red hot form ever since he took over as the Test captain is expected to lead the Chevrons although in the third T20I against Pakistan. The left-hander looked to be in some sort of discomfort due to his injured left hand.
Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Joylord Gumbie have been placed on standby.
Zimbabwe Test Squad:
Sean Williams (captain), Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chisoro, Tanaka Chivanga, Luke Jongwe, Roy Kaia, Kevin Kasuza, Wellington Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Tarisai Musakanda, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Milton Shumba, Brendan Taylor, Donald Tiripano.
