Published: Jul 14, 2016, 10:48 AM (IST)
Edited: Jul 14, 2016, 10:48 AM (IST)
Zimbabwe’s left-arm pacer Brian Vitori is set to return back to competitive cricket after getting his bowling action cleared. Vitori, who has represented his nation in four Tests, 19 One-Day International’s (ODI) and 11 T20 Internationals (T20I), was called for suspect action by International Cricket Council (ICC) against Bangladesh earlier this year. After going through tests, his arm was found to have been surpassing the 15-degree angle. Since then, he was working on remodelling his action, and earlier this June, was cleared to play competitive cricket. He will mark his return for Zimbabwe A against South Africa A. ALSO READ: Brian Vitori cleared to bowl by ICC
Having been found for suspect action in January, Vitori did play a few domestic T20 matches for Matabeleland Tuskers. But the fixture against South Africa A will be his first outing in competitive cricket. The Zimbabwe A team also have the likes of Sean Williams and Craig Ervine. ALSO READ: New Zealand ready to tour Zimbabwe despite unrest
Vitori’s return will be crucial for Zimbabwe national team, who are scheduled to play two Tests against New Zealand and Sri Lanka in coming months.
Their series against New Zealand have been put in doubts after unrest in the nation’s capital. The first Test is scheduled to start from July 28 and the second from August 6. Zimbabwe will play Tests for the first time since 2014 while it was 2012 when they faced New Zealand. New Zealand had won the only Test of the 2012 series. Zimbabwe’s last victory in a Test match came in 2013 and winning a Test will be a huge positive for the hosts.
