Ballance set for Zimbabwe test debut against Windies

The left-handed batsman made his international debut for Zimbabwe in a T20 match against Ireland last month.

PHOTO: AP

Former England batsman Gary Ballance is set to make his test debut for Zimbabwe on Saturday after being selected for the two-match series against West Indies in Bulawayo.

Harare-born Ballance, who played 23 tests for England between 2014 and 2017, signed a two-year contract in December to play international cricket in the country of his birth.

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The left-handed batsman made his international debut for Zimbabwe in a T20 match against Ireland last month.

With regular captain Sean Williams recovering from a fractured finger, Craig Ervine will lead Zimbabwe against West Indies.

The hosts will also miss pacemen Tendai Chatara and Blessing Muzarabani through injuries, while all-rounders Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl are fulfilling franchise commitments. The second test, also in Bulawayo, begins on Feb. 12.