Zimpapers Logo

KENYON Ziehl has been appointed Zimbabwe’s convener of selectors.

He will head a panel that includes national coach Dav Whatmore, assistant coach Douglas Hondo and captain Elton Chigumbura.

Ziehl, 52, has played two first-class matches, one List A game, and was part of the Zimbabwe A team as well. Although he did not play international cricket, a ZC release said he did represent Zimbabwe in rugby.

He has previous experience as a selector, having led the panel from 2007 to 2009. He has also had a good reputation as the CEO of the Rhinos franchise.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to be appointed once again as convener. I’ll carry on the good work my colleague Givemore (Makoni) has been doing because it’s vital that as the national selection panel, we do our best to ensure a positive team performance,” Ziehl said.

His predecessor Makoni is now the ZC director for development and club cricket.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe have made four changes to their 15-man squad for the first two one-day internationals against New Zealand in Harare, including a recall for 30-year-old offspinner John Nyumbu.

Batsman Craig Ervine and fast bowler Chris Mpofu, who were both left out of the squad for the home ODIs against India, were picked for the New Zealand series, as was all-rounder Luke Jongwe, who has not played for Zimbabwe since making his international debut last year.

Wicketkeeper Richmond Mutumbami, middle-order batsman Malcolm Waller, and seamers Donald Tiripano and Brian Vitori were all dropped following a poor ODI series against India, which Zimbabwe lost 0-3.

Nyumbu made his international debut during the only Test against South Africa in Harare last August, and became only the second Zimbabwe bowler to take a five-for on Test debut.

He played his first ODI later that month, also against South Africa, but his patchy form — 11 wickets from 10 matches at 37.63 — led to him being cut from the side after the fifth ODI against Bangladesh, a series where Zimbabwe were whitewashed 5-0.

Nyumbu, though, continued to produce solid numbers in domestic cricket, picking up 12 wickets for Matabeleland Tuskers and helping the team to the final of the Pro50 Championship.

Ervine makes a return to the ODI team despite a mediocre run with the bat; he scored just nine runs from the two T20 internationals against India, and his last international 50 was back in the World Cup against West Indies in Canberra, Australia.

Mpofu’s spot in the team, though, was presumably earned after his impressive performance in the first T20 against India, where he collected 3-33 through cutters and slower deliveries.

Mpofu would later term his stint with the team “the best time of my career”.

Zimbabwe are scheduled to play three ODIs against New Zealand between August 2 and August 7, followed by a T20 international on August 9, all in Harare.

Squad (first two ODIs)

Elton Chigumbura (captain), Chamu Chibhabha, Hamilton Masakadza, Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, Regis Chakabva (wk), Graeme Cremer, Prosper Utseya, Tinashe Panyangara, Christopher Mpofu, John Nyumbu, Vusi Sibanda, Luke Jongwe, Neville Madziva. — ESPNCricinfo