40-Year-Old Legspinner Makes Shock ODI Return After 8 Years

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-09-21

### A Comeback Eight Years in the Making Graeme Cremer is back. The legspinner turned 40 just a day before the match, and now he's playing his first One-Day International since 2018. That's eight long years away from the format. Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and chose to bat first against Australia in the third ODI. So Cremer will have to wait a bit before he gets the ball in his hand. But just being out there? That's a story in itself. Zimbabwe made two changes to the side that lost the first two matches. Both changes came in the bowling attack. Cremer replaces Wellington Masakadza, who's out with a niggle. Ernest Masuku comes in for Newman Nyamhuri, who was rested. For Masuku, this is just his third ODI. Cremer, on the other hand, brings a wealth of experience. He joins Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, and Raza as the fourth player aged over 40 in Zimbabwe's side. That's a lot of wisdom on one field. ### Why Zimbabwe Chose to Bat First Raza didn't hesitate to bat first. Zimbabwe failed to chase in the first two games, so maybe batting first takes some pressure off. The hosts are looking for a consolation win in their final home international of the year. Australia, though, have already sealed the series 2-0. They're aiming for a clean sweep. So there's plenty on the line for both sides. Australia also made two changes. Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson return to the XI. They replace Josh Hazlewood and Billy Stanlake. Hazlewood was rested ahead of Australia's tour of South Africa. Stanlake picked up what looked like a side strain during the second match and isn't available. The attack now includes Bartlett, Johnson, Nathan Ellis, and Adam Zampa. Cameron Green remains out with a shoulder problem. The team hoped he'd be ready, but it wasn't meant to be. Uncapped left-arm spinner Joel Davies misses out on a place in the XI. The batting line-up stays the same. ### What This Match Means for Both Teams Travis Head made a century in the win that sealed the series for Australia. The visitors will use this final match as preparation before they travel to South Africa for three ODIs next week. For Zimbabwe, it's their last home international of 2026. They'll want to end on a high note. Taylor keeps wicket for Zimbabwe, while Inglis holds the gloves for Australia under Mitch Marsh's captaincy. This is the last of the three ODIs in Australia's tour of Zimbabwe. After this, Zimbabwe have no more home fixtures in 2026. They travel to the UAE next month for a tri-series against Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Then they play two Tests against Afghanistan. Zimbabwe also have ODIs scheduled in India and Pakistan in early 2027. ### The Squads **Zimbabwe:** 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:** Mitch Marsh (capt), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Matt Renshaw, Oliver Peake, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson Cremer's selection marks his first ODI appearance since 2018. Zimbabwe will bowl second against an Australian batting line-up unchanged from the previous match. For cricket fans, this is a moment to appreciate. A 40-year-old legspinner proving that age is just a number. And that comebacks are always possible.