ZIM vs SL 2025: Calf strain rules Craig Ervine out of ODI series against Sri Lanka

Zimbabwe will miss the services of their captain, Craig Ervine, in the two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. The left-handed batter has sustained a calf strain, which will keep him out of the rubber.

Experienced all-rounder Sean Williams is taking charge as the stand-in captain for the series between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka in Ervine's absence. The latter suffered the injury on the eve of the first ODI, which is being held at the Harare Sports Club in Harare on Friday, August 29.

An MRI scan confirmed that Ervine had encountered a Grade II strain in his left calf as well as a chronic and resolving Grade I strain in his right calf.

The 40-year-old is one of Zimbabwe's most experienced and reliable batters. However, he has missed quite a few matches in recent years due to injuries. His most recent absence was during the Test against Ireland in February 2025, as he was on paternity leave. Williams, too, had missed that Test with a back injury, but both of them returned to the squad for the Test series in Bangladesh at home in April-May. His last ODI appearance was in that series against Ireland.

Ervine has played 128 ODIs so far, scoring 3600 runs at an average of 33.03, including 23 fifties and four centuries. He also has the experience of playing 30 Tests and 71 T20Is.

Brendan Taylor returns

While Zimbabwe will not have Ervine available, they will be bolstered by the return of Brendan Taylor. The veteran batter made a comeback to international cricket during the Test series against New Zealand after serving a three-year ban for corruption-related offences.

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The right-handed batter is now making a return to ODI cricket after almost four years. He has scored 6684 runs from 205 ODIs at an average of 35.55. Taylor's contribution will be crucial, especially in the absence of Ervine. Apart from Taylor, Zimbabwe will bank on Sikandar Raza's all-round services against a talented Sri Lankan side.