Graeme Cremer's Shock ODI Return After 8 Years

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Graeme Cremer plays his first ODI in eight years as Zimbabwe bat first against Australia in the third ODI. The 40-year-old replaces Wellington Masakadza. Australia bring in Bartlett and Johnson.

### Graeme Cremer Returns to Zimbabwe's ODI Side After Eight Years Graeme Cremer is back in Zimbabwe's ODI XI for the first time since 2018. The legspinner turned 40 just a day before the match, and captain Sikandar Raza chose to bat first against Australia in the third ODI. That's a long wait between drinks, isn't it? Zimbabwe made two changes to the side that lost the opening two games. 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, and will play just his third ODI. The batting line-up stays exactly the same as the previous match. Cremer now joins Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine and Raza as the fourth player aged over 40 in Zimbabwe's side. That's a lot of experience in one dressing room. Raza chose to bat first after Zimbabwe failed to chase in the first two games. The hosts want a consolation win in their final home international of the year. Australia have already secured the three-match series 2-0 and are aiming for a 3-0 sweep. ### Australia Bring In Bartlett and Johnson for the Third ODI Australia also made two changes. Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson return to the XI in place of Josh Hazlewood and Billy Stanlake. Hazlewood was rested ahead of Australia's tour of South Africa. Stanlake is unavailable after he picked up what looked like a side strain during the second match. The attack now includes Bartlett, Johnson, Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa. Cameron Green remains out with a shoulder problem, even though the team expected him to be ready for this game. Uncapped left-arm spinner Joel Davies misses out on a place in the XI. The batting line-up stays the same. Travis Head made a century in the win that sealed the series for Australia. The visitors will use the final match as preparation before they travel to South Africa for three ODIs next week. ### Zimbabwe vs Australia Playing XIs and Upcoming Fixtures Taylor keeps wicket for Zimbabwe, while Inglis holds the gloves for Australia under the captaincy of Mitch Marsh. This match is the last of the three ODIs in Australia's tour of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe have no more home fixtures in 2026. The team travels to the UAE next month for a tri-series against Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and then plays two Tests against Afghanistan. Zimbabwe have ODIs scheduled in India and Pakistan in early 2027. Cremer's selection marks his first ODI appearance since 2018, and Zimbabwe will bowl second against an Australian batting line-up unchanged from the previous match. ### Zimbabwe Squad - 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 Squad - Mitch Marsh (capt) - Travis Head - Cooper Connolly - Josh Inglis (wk) - Alex Carey - Matt Renshaw - Oliver Peake - Xavier Bartlett - Nathan Ellis - Adam Zampa - Spencer Johnson > "It's a special moment for Graeme and for Zimbabwe cricket," said a team spokesperson. "He's been working hard, and this opportunity means a lot." For more cricket news and updates, keep an eye on the latest from the world of cricket.

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