Vitori picked to play against Pakistan A

Zimbabwe have chosen an A team full of first-choice picks to play against Pakistan A in Bulawayo from Sunday in an effort to help them prepare for the Tests against Sri Lanka, which begin on October 29.

Out of the 24 men picked to play two four-day matches only three have yet to play international cricket - batsman Tarisai Musakanda and seamers Carl Mumba and Victor Nyauchi.

The series also presents opportunity for Brian Vitori, the 26-year old fast bowler, to end a three-month streak without competitive cricket. It has been a lot longer since he played for Zimbabwe, the last of which came in January 2016. But he is part of the 12-member squad to play the first four-day game against Pakistan A at Queens Sports Club. He has Donald Tiripano, Chris Mpofu and Michael Chinouya as seam-bowling partners. With a host of part-time spinners available, only one specialist has been picked - Graeme Cremer, the Zimbabwe captain.

The second game - scheduled for October 15 - could feature Elton Chigumbura who had been left out of senior team when they played New Zealand in July. Also in the mix is medium-pacerNjabulo Ncube, who last played first-class cricket in 2013. He represented Zimbabwe for one Test and ODI each in 2011 but was called up to play for the A team in July 2016.

Squad for First unofficial Test: Tino Mawoyo, Hamilton Masakadza, Craig Ervine, Peter Moor, Sikandar Raza, Malcolm Waller, Richmond Mutumbami, Graeme Cremer, Michael Chinouya, Donald Tiripano, Chris Mpofu, Brian Vitori

Squad for second unofficial Test: Brian Chari, Chamu Chibhabha, Tarisai Musakanda, Sean Williams, Prince Masvaure, Elton Chigumbura, Regis Chakabva, John Nyumbu, Victor Nyauchi, Carl Mumba, Njabulo Ncube, Taurai Muzarabani