Wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey says that Australia will not be underestimating Zimbabwe in their upcoming three-match ODI series.
Zimbabwe are touring Down Under for the first time since they played a tri-nation series, also involving India, way back in 2003-04.
Zimbabwe recently defeated Bangladesh in both their ODI and T20I series. However, they failed to put forth their A-game against KL Rahul’s India in the three-match ODI series, although Sikandar Raza scored a sparkling century in the third match at Harare Sports Club.
The 30-year-old Carey said that the Aussies are trying to do their research on the touring Zimbabwe tour.
“In this format, I haven’t played them. They’ve had some recent form so they’ll be keen to come over here and play some good cricket. They knocked off Bangladesh recently, so we will do our research if the guys haven’t already started,” Carey was quoted as saying on cricket.com.au.
“We’ve got some vision of (their) bowlers, batters and we are up here five days early,” he added.
As far as Zimbabwe are concerned, they will be captained by Regis Chakabva, who also led them in the series against India. Craig Ervine remains on the sidelines after failing to recover in time from injury.
Right-arm fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani has also returned to the team after not taking part in the ODIs against India. He has been a key member of the Zimbabwean team over
The three ODIs between Zimbabwe and Australia will take place on Sunday, August 31 and September 3 at Tony Ireland Stadium in Townsville.
Zimbabwe Squad: Ryan Burl, Regis Chakabva (captain), Bradley Evans, Luke Jongwe, Innocent Kaia, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Clive Madande, Wessley Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams
Australia squad: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa