Zimbabwe 'have to enjoy' first home Test since 2017

Wicketkeeper Regis Chakabva says that Zimbabwe "have to enjoy" ir first home Test since 2017 as African nation return to five-day action against Sri Lanka after ir recent suspension by International Cricket Council. two-Test tour was only anunced by Sri Lankan cricket board earlier this week, with first match to start in Harare on Sunday.

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Zimbabwe's readmission to international cricket

Zimbabwe were readmitted as an ICC member last October following a three-month suspension over political interference. Sri Lanka games will be ir first Tests since a 1-1 series draw in Bangladesh in vember 2018. 

"It's always tough, going for that long between playing Tests because you always want to play as often and as regularly as possible," Chakabva told a cricket website. "But unfortunately we haven't had that privilege really, so we just have to accept what is re and as tough as it is when next one comes you always have to enjoy it."I think for any youngster who's starting off and aspiring y definitely want to be involved (in Tests) at some point in ir career."

Mickey Arthur's Sri Lanka arrive in Zimbabwe after a 1-0 defeat in a two-Test series in Pakistan, although that came after side showed signs of a revival in a shock 2-0 series victory in South Africa and drawn series against New Zealand. But tourists have left out fast-scoring batsman Kusal Perera, who scored a match-winning 153 t out against South Africa last February, with Lahiru Thirimanne preferred despite having an aver of only 22.64 from 35 Tests."Yes, Kusal can make 150s, but we needed someone who can occupy crease, which is why we chose Thirimanne," said Sri Lanka's chairman of selectors Asantha de Mel."Thirimanne can also bat in top order or as an opener."

Zimbabwe have named all-rounder Sean Williams as captain for series, with batsmen PJ Moor and Ryan Burl both surprisingly left out. A third of hosts' 15-man squad are yet to make ir Test debuts, with Victor Nyauchi and Charlton Tshuma hoping to fill void left by injured fast bowler Tendai Chatara. Zimbabwe last played a Test at home against West Indies in October 2017.

Squads

Zimbabwe: Sean Williams (capt), Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva (wkt), Craig Ervine, Kyle Jarvis, Kevin Kasuza, Timycen Maruma, Prince Masvaure, Brian Mudzinganyama, Carl Mumba, Ainsley Ndlovu, Victor Nyauchi, Brendan Taylor, Donald Tiripa, Charlton Tshuma.

Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Maws, Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella (wkt), Dilruwan Perera, Lasith Embuldeniya, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lakshan Sandakan, Suranga Lakmal. 

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 (Im Courtesy: AP)