Harare, Nov. 4 -- Zimbabwe have named 22-year-old Brian Bennett as skipper for their two-match Test series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates, with regular captain Richard Ngarava continuing his recovery from a back injury.

The 17-member squad also excludes fast bowler Tanaka Chivanga, who has been ruled out of the series through injury, according to the ICC.

Bennett will lead a side that retains much of the core group which registered Zimbabwe's biggest-ever Test victory in June, beating Bangladesh by an innings and 85 runs at Harare Sports Club.

Experienced batters Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine are part of the squad after staying back in the UAE following the ODI tri-series to prepare for the red-ball assignment. They ...