Johnathan Campbell joins exclusive club as captain on Test debut
What's the story
Zimbabwean cricket legend Alistair Campbell's son, Johnathan Campbell, made his Test debut as captain in a one-off Test match against Ireland in Bulawayo on Thursday.
The surprise change occurred when regular captain Craig Ervine withdrew last minute due to a family emergency.
"Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine has withdrawn from the one-off Test against Ireland due to a family emergency," Zimbabwe Cricket said on social media.
Performance
Campbell's leadership skills and form
Zimbabwe Cricket is confident in Campbell's leadership, highlighting his proven track record at the domestic level.
His impressive form also played a role in his appointment as captain.
Campbell has showcased his cricketing ability in 34 First-Class matches, amassing 1,913 runs (AVG: 32.32), including four centuries, and taking 42 wickets (AVG: 39.02) as a leg-spinner.
Historic moment
Campbell joins elite group of debutant captains
Campbell's appointment as captain on his Test debut puts him in an elite club of cricketers.
He is only the second Zimbabwean to do so after Dave Houghton, who captained the side in their first-ever Test against India in 1992.
Additionally, Campbell becomes only the third player in the last fifty years to captain a side on his Test debut, excluding those leading their country's first-ever Test team.
Career progression
Campbell's journey in international cricket
Campbell began his international career with a T20I debut against Bangladesh in May 2024, scoring an impressive 45 off 24 balls.
Since then, he has accumulated 123 runs in nine T20Is.
His List A record is equally strong, with 1,372 runs from 45 matches at an average close to 40.
These numbers highlight his potential as a great addition to the Zimbabwean team.
Match staus
Muzarabani rout's Ireland's top-order
In the one-off Test, Ireland won the toss and chose to bat.
In response, the hosts bulldozed through Ireland's top order, picking up six wickets in the first session.
For Zimbabwe, pacer Blessing Muzarabani was the hero, managing figures worth 4/24 (seven overs).
Meanwhile, for the visitors, their keeper Lorcan Tucker stabilized the innings with a crucial quickfire 33-run knock.
At lunch, Ireland are 111/6 after 22 overs, while Andy McBrine (25*) and Mark Adair (14*) occupy the crease.
Twitter Post
Zimbabwe cricket's X post confirming Craig Ervine's withdrawal
🚨 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine has withdrawn from the one-off Test against Ireland due to a family emergency. Johnathan Campbell, making his Test debut, will lead the side. A proven leader at the domestic level, Campbell brings exciting energy and has been… pic.twitter.com/T4cqGji4a3
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) February 6, 2025