Brian Bennett to captain Zimbabwe in Afghanistan Test series

Zimbabwe on Wednesday named a 17-man squad for a two-Test series against Afghanistan in the UAE, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a statement.

Brian Bennett will captain the side in the absence of the injured Richard Ngarava, the ICC said.

Fast bowler Tanaka Chivanga has also been ruled out of the series with an injury.

The squad keeps much of the group that recorded Zimbabwe's biggest Test win in June, when they beat Bangladesh by an innings and 85 runs at Harare Sports Club.

Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine remained in the UAE after the ODI tri-series to prepare for the red-ball matches, the ICC said.

Veteran leg-spinner Graeme Cremer has returned to the Test squad, while Kundai Matigimu and Vincent Masekesa have earned recalls.

All-rounder Antum Naqvi has been included after meeting the ICC's eligibility criteria to represent Zimbabwe.

Blessing Muzarabani will lead the pace attack, with uncapped fast bowler Ernest Masuku among the seam options.

The first Test begins on Nov. 5, with the second scheduled from Nov. 13, and both matches will be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah.

Test cricket, the longest format of the game, is played over a series of days rather than in limited overs, and the two-match series gives selectors a chance to test players in the red-ball format.