Graeme Cremer will play his first One-Day International in eight years after Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza chose to bat against Australia in the third ODI of the series. The legspinner turned 40 a day before the match and has not played in the format since 2018.
Graeme Cremer Returns to Zimbabwe’s ODI Side After Eight Years
Zimbabwe made two changes to the side that lost the opening two matches, and both came in the bowling attack. Cremer replaces Wellington Masakadza, who is out with a niggle. Ernest Masuku takes the place of Newman Nyamhuri, whom Zimbabwe rested, and will play his third ODI.
Cremer gets his first outing of the series and joins Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine and Raza as the fourth player aged over 40 in Zimbabwe’s side. The batting line-up stays the same as in the previous match.
Raza chose to bat first after Zimbabwe failed to chase in the first two games. The hosts want a consolation win in their final home international of the year, while Australia have already secured the three-match series 2-0 and are aiming for a 3-0 sweep.
Australia Bring In Bartlett and Johnson for the Third ODI
Australia also made two changes. Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson return to the XI in place of Josh Hazlewood and Billy Stanlake.
Australia rested Hazlewood ahead of their tour of South Africa. Stanlake is unavailable after he picked up what appeared to be a side strain during the second match. The attack now includes Bartlett, Johnson, Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa.
Cameron Green remains out with a shoulder problem, although the team expected him to be ready for this game. Uncapped left-arm spinner Joel Davies misses out on a place in the XI, and the batting line-up stays the same.
Travis Head made a century in the win that sealed the series for Australia. The visitors will use the final match as preparation before they travel to South Africa for three ODIs next week.
Zimbabwe vs Australia Playing XIs and Upcoming Fixtures
Taylor keeps wicket for Zimbabwe, while Inglis holds the gloves for Australia under the captaincy of Mitch Marsh. The match is the last of the three ODIs in Australia’s tour of Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe have no more home fixtures in 2026. The team travels to the UAE next month for a tri-series against Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and then plays two Tests against Afghanistan. Zimbabwe have ODIs scheduled in India and Pakistan in early 2027.
Cremer’s selection marks his first ODI appearance since 2018, and Zimbabwe will bowl second against an Australian batting line-up unchanged from the previous match.
Zimbabwe Squad
Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia, Brendan Taylor (wk), Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza (capt), Wessly Madhevere, Brad Evans, Graeme Cremer, Ernest Masuku, Blessing Muzarabani
Australia Squad
Mitch Marsh (capt), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Matt Renshaw, Oliver Peake, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson
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