Cremer's Shock Return: Zimbabwe's 40-Something Gamble Against Australia

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-09-21

### A Veteran Returns After Eight Long Years Graeme Cremer is back. The legspinner hadn't played a One-Day International since 2018, but there he was, named in Zimbabwe's XI for the third ODI against Australia. He turned 40 just a day before the match. That's not a typo. Forty years old and still spinning it. Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and chose to bat first. After failing to chase in the first two games, it made sense. The hosts are desperate for a consolation win in their final home international of the year. Australia already wrapped up the series 2-0, and they're hungry for a clean sweep. ### Two Changes for Zimbabwe, Both in the Bowling Attack Zimbabwe made two changes from the side that lost the opening two matches. Both came in the bowling department. - Graeme Cremer replaces Wellington Masakadza, who's out with a niggle. - Ernest Masuku comes in for Newman Nyamhuri, who was rested. This will be Masuku's third ODI. Cremer joins Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, and Raza as the fourth player aged over 40 in Zimbabwe's side. That's a lot of experience on the field. The batting line-up stays the same as the previous match. ### Australia Also Make Two Changes Australia didn't sit still either. Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson return to the XI, replacing 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 features Bartlett, Johnson, Nathan Ellis, and Adam Zampa. Cameron Green remains out with a shoulder problem. The team had hoped he'd be ready for this game, 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 unchanged. ### Travis Head's Century and What's Next 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 head to South Africa for three ODIs next week. Taylor keeps wicket for Zimbabwe, while Josh 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. Zimbabwe have no more home fixtures in 2026. They travel to the UAE next month for a tri-series against Afghanistan and Bangladesh, then play two Tests against Afghanistan. ODIs in India and Pakistan are scheduled for early 2027. > "Age is just a number when you've got the skill and the hunger," a team insider reportedly said. "Cremer's been training hard. He deserves this shot." ### 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. Can the veteran spin them to a consolation win? Stranger things have happened in cricket.