COMEBACK

Solomon Mire returns for Zimbabwe

by Tristan Holme • Published on

Mire has been living and playing in Australia, where he was based prior to his Zimbabwe debut in November 2014. © Getty

Zimbabwe have been boosted by the return of all-rounder Solomon Mire as they prepare for a five-match series against Afghanistan. Mire made an impact during a short, 10-game stint in Zimbabwe's ODI team during the 2014-15 season that included five outings at the ICC World Cup, but has not represented his birth country since.

The 27-year-old has instead been living and playing in Australia, where he was based prior to his Zimbabwe debut in November 2014, and had not been considered for selection as a result. As they attempt to improve their side, Zimbabwe's selectors have now made an exception for Mire.

"One of the issues in the past was forcing guys to play domestic cricket," head coach Heath Streak told Cricbuzz on Thursday (February 9). "We've discussed it and decided that because Solomon has been playing a high level of cricket in Australia, we are happy for him to continue living and playing in Australia but to represent us at international level whenever he is available.

"He's been playing Grade cricket in Melbourne and was looked at quite closely for a Big Bash gig this summer. We really wanted his all-round ability in our side, and the balance that he will bring will be really worthwhile."

Mire was included in an initial 14-man squad to face Afghanistan in a series that begins next Thursday (February 16). However Sean Williams, Hamilton Masakadza, Chamu Chibhabha and Tendai Chisoro were all left out after they failed to pass the minimum fitness standards set by the team management. Williams has also been struggling with a back injury.

All four players will be given a chance to force their way into the squad over the weekend, with Zimbabwe Cricket leaving two places available to those who perform well in the opening round of the Pro50 Championship, which has been brought forward to give players match practice ahead of the Afghanistan series. The competition will now begin on Friday (February 10), while the Logan Cup games, that were originally scheduled, have been postponed to February 21.

Zimbabwe's squad includes two uncapped players - batsman Ryan Burl and all-rounder Nathan Waller, who is the cousin of another Zimbabwe batsman Malcolm Waller. The pair were the bright spots in an otherwise disappointing series between Zimbabwe A and Afghanistan A recently, which the latter won 4-1 in Harare.

Burl scored 266 runs at an average of 53.2 in the series, hitting a century in the last game, while Nathan Waller was Zimbabwe's joint leading wicket taker with six. Tendai Chatara, who also took six wickets, was also included in Zimbabwe's squad and could make his first international appearance since June last year.

Zimbabwe squad: Graeme Cremer (Captain), Peter Moor (wicketkeeper), Ryan Burl, Tarisai Musakanda, Sikandar Raza, Malcolm Waller, Nathan Waller, Elton Chigumbura, Wellington Masakadza, Donald Tiripano, Tendai Chatara, Christopher Mpofu, Craig Ervine, Solomon Mire.

© Cricbuzz

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