Zimbabwe suffered a major setback ahead of their ODI series against Sri Lanka, as skipper Craig Ervine has been ruled out due to a calf injury, the ICC confirmed.
An MRI scan on Thursday revealed that the 40-year-old had sustained a Grade II strain in his left calf and a chronic, resolving Grade I strain in his right calf, forcing him to miss the entire two-match series.
In Ervine’s absence, veteran all-rounder Sean Williams has been appointed as stand-in captain.
Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine has been ruled out of the one-day international (ODI) series against Sri Lanka after sustaining a calf injury on the eve of the first match at Harare Sports Club.
In his absence, Sean Williams will captain Zimbabwe in the ODI series. pic.twitter.com/qneqBKXB05
— Yvonne Mangunda 🇿🇼 (@yvonnemangunda) August 29, 2025
Zimbabwe’s Return to ODIs
This series marks Zimbabwe’s comeback to ODI cricket following a busy home season that featured two-Test series against both South Africa and New Zealand, as well as a T20I tri-series.
It also sees the return of experienced batter Brendon Taylor, who is making his first international appearance in nearly four years. Taylor last played for Zimbabwe in September 2021 against Ireland.