New Delhi, Nov. 5 -- Brian Bennett was handed over the Zimbabwe captaincy duties for the two-match Test series against Afghanistan, which started on Thursday at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The 22-year-old was handed over the leadership, as regular captain Richard Ngarava continuing his recovery from a back injury.

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. Bennett was Zimbabwe's 15th Test captain in history.

Also missing the series for Zimbabwe was fast bowler Tanaka Chivanga, who has been ruled out of the series through injury. Blessing Muzarabani spearhe...