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Craig Ervine
Craig Ervine
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Craig Richard Ervine (born 19 August 1985) is a Zimbabwean international cricketer and former captain.[1] Ervine is a left-handed batter. He was born in Harare and has played Test and limited overs cricket for the Zimbabwe national cricket team and first-class cricket for a variety of Zimbabwean sides in the Logan Cup. He holds an Irish passport.[2] In January 2022, in the opening fixture of the series against Sri Lanka, Ervine played in his 100th One Day International (ODI) match.[3]

Key Information

Domestic career

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He soon got a place at Zimbabwe Cricket Academy and soon broke into the domestic set-up playing for Midlands, Zimbabwe U-19s and Zimbabwe A sides.[4]

He made his List A debut during the 2003 Faithwear Clothing Inter-Provincial One-Day Competition playing for Midlands against Matabeleland on 3 December 2003.[5] He made his first-class debut during the 2003–04 Logan Cup playing for Midlands against the Mashonaland on 19 March 2004.[6] He was selected for Zimbabwe squad for the 2004 Under-19 Cricket World Cup.[7]

He also headed to England to work on his techniques and had brief spells at English clubs including Bexhill and Lordswood.[8] He also played for Lisburn Cricket Club in 2009 and 2010.[9] Ervine has played majority of his domestic cricket for Midlands in Zimbabwe.[10]

In February 2010, Ervine signed for the Zimbabwean domestic circuit with Southern Rocks. On debut against the Mid West Rhinos, Ervine made a top score of 100, his first first-class century. He has played for the Matabeleland Tuskers since the 2011/12 season.[10]

In December 2018, during the opening round of the 2018–19 Logan Cup, Ervine scored his tenth century in first-class cricket.[11] He was the leading run-scorer in the 2018–19 Stanbic Bank 20 Series tournament, with 328 runs in six matches.[12] In December 2020, he was selected to play for the Tuskers in the 2020–21 Logan Cup.[13][14]

International career

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Early years

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He was included in Zimbabwe's squad for the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 tournament despite the modest returns in domestic T20 competition and made his T20I debut in a rain-affected group stage match against Sri Lanka on 3 May 2010.[15] He made his ODI debut against India on 28 May 2010 as part of the 2010 Zimbabwe Micromax Tri-Nation Series and scored a half-century on debut.[16] He ended up being unbeaten on 67 runs off just 60 deliveries on debut as Zimbabwe chased down the mammoth 286 runs in a thrilling chase.[17][18]

He made his test debut against Bangladesh on 4 August 2011 which was also a comeback test appearance for Zimbabwe after their readmission to test cricket. He made an impression on debut with the bat scoring an unbeaten 35 runs in a sixth wicket partnership with Brendan Taylor before Zimbabwe going onto declare at 291/5 and win the match comfortably by 130 runs.[19]

He was named as part of the Zimbabwean squad during the 2011 Cricket World Cup which also marked his maiden appearance in a World Cup tournament. He had a decent World Cup campaign as he ended up as the leading run-scorer for Zimbabwe during the course of the tournament with an aggregate of 231 runs in 6 matches including 3 fifties.[20] He was also a member of the Zimbabwe squad for the 2012 ICC World Twenty20 showpiece. He signed as an overseas player for Lymington in the Southern Premier League for 2012 season.[21]

In 2013, soon after Zimbabwe had returned from the tour of West Indies following the bilateral series, he refused to sign a central Zimbabwe Cricket contract with the intention to pursue his career playing club cricket for Irish club Lisburn and grade cricket for Morley in Western Australia.[22][23][24] He moved to Ireland on a passport obtained via his great-great-grandfather in a bid to qualify playing for Ireland cricket team at some point of time.[25] However, it was revealed that his ambitions to represent Ireland was just rumours.[26] He made the move to leave Zimbabwe citing financial insecurity and to earn for a good living in overseas. He also played for Northern Knights in the European summer at the 2013 Inter-Provincial Championship and in the other half of the same year he went to Perth to play club cricket in Australia.[27]

International return

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However, he made a U-turn roughly 18 months later insisting that he once again made his intentions to play for Zimbabwe at international level and made himself available for national selections again in October 2014 ahead of the 2014/15 season.[28] He was in contention for a spot in the national squad for the tour of Bangladesh in 2014 and was included in the main squads.[29] He was thereafter subsequently picked for the 2015 Cricket World Cup which was held in Australia and New Zealand. During the 2015 World Cup, he along with Brendan Taylor put on Zimbabwe's highest fourth wicket partnership of 93 in a World Cup match which came against India.[30]

On 2 August 2015, Ervine scored his first ODI century against New Zealand, an unbeaten 130 runs in a match which Zimbabwe won chasing more than 300 runs.[31] Following the win against New Zealand, his teammate Sean Williams asked him personally to pay half the rent for his stay in the apartment.[32] On 6 August 2016, Ervine scored his maiden Test century, playing against New Zealand at Harare.[33][34]

On Zimbabwe's 2017 tour of Sri Lanka, Ervine scored a match winning 69 runs to level the five-match series 2-2.[35][36] Zimbabwe won the 5th ODI and won the first ever series against Sri Lanka as well. Ervine's second test century came against Sri Lanka on 14 July 2017 at the R Premadasa Stadium and registered his career best test knock of 160.[37][38] Despite his valiant efforts with the bat, Sri Lanka went onto win the closely fought test match after successfully chasing down the mammoth target of 391.[39]

He was included in Zimbabwe's squad for the 2018 Cricket World Cup Qualifier tournament which was held in Zimbabwe.[40][41]

On 14 July 2019, he involved in an unbroken runstand worth of 111 runs along with Sean Williams for the third wicket during the third and decisive T20I against Ireland and it is also the highest ever partnership for Zimbabwe in terms of runs in T20I cricket.[42] Zimbabwe chased down the target of 172 runs to square the three match T20I series against Ireland 1-1.

In January 2020, during the first Test against Sri Lanka, Ervine scored his 1,000th run in Test cricket.[43]

Captaincy

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On 22 February 2020, he captained Test team in the one-off Test against Bangladesh,[44] after Sean Williams, Zimbabwe's regular Test captain, took leave ahead of the match for the birth of his first child.[45][46] He scored a century top scoring for Zimbabwe in first innings with 107 and despite his valiant effort with the bat in both innings of the match on his captaincy debut, Zimbabwe went onto lose by an innings and 106 runs.[47][48]

In August 2021, he was appointed as white ball captain of Zimbabwe for the first time and assumed white ball captaincy for the first time during the limited overs series against Ireland and the T20I series against Scotland.[49] He was reinstated as the captain of Zimbabwe side for the three match ODI series against Sri Lanka in January 2022.[50][51][52]

Education

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Ervine studied for A-levels at Lomagundi College.[53]

Personal life

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Ervine's father Rory and uncle Neil both played first-class cricket for Rhodesia B in the 1977/78 Castle Bowl competition[54][55] and another uncle, Gordon Den, played for Rhodesia and Eastern province in the 1960s.[56] Den's father, Ervine's grandfather, Alexander Den is recorded as having made one appearance for Rhodesia against the touring Australian national side in 1936.[57] He along with his brothers Sean and Ryan were brought and raised up in a farm outside Harare and he inherited interest in cricket through his grandparents who would even pay 50 cents to anyone who took a wicket.[27]

Ervine's brother, Sean Ervine also played for Zimbabwe and, after leaving the country in 2004, forged a successful career in English county cricket with Hampshire.[58] Another brother Ryan played domestic limited overs cricket in Zimbabwe in 2009/10 season.[59]

Ervine almost had a hand amputated in his early teens following a freak accident where he slipped and fell on broken glass in his family's living room. He slipped on some stray penlight batteries at home.[27] His mum who was a nurse during wartime immediately helped her son from excessive bleeding. The injury required a three-hour reconstructive operation to his right hand.[53]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Craig Richard Ervine (born 19 August 1985) is a Zimbabwean international cricketer who captains the Zimbabwe national cricket team in Test and One Day International (ODI) formats. A left-handed middle-order batsman known for his stylish strokeplay, Ervine bowls occasional right-arm off-spin and has been a mainstay in Zimbabwe's batting lineup since his international debut in 2010. Hailing from Harare, he comes from a prominent cricketing family; his father Rory and uncle Neil both played first-class cricket for Rhodesia B in the late 1970s, while his brother Sean represented Zimbabwe and Ireland at the international level. Ervine began his domestic career with in 2004 and made his international breakthrough in May 2010, debuting in the T20I format against on 3 May before scoring an unbeaten 67 on ODI debut against later that month, helping secure a rare victory. His debut followed in April 2013 against , where he has since accumulated over 1,000 runs at an average above 30. Ervine's career has been marked by resilience amid Zimbabwe's turbulent landscape, including multiple leadership changes; he first captained in ODIs in 2021 and took on the role in 2023, guiding the team to their first win in five years against in October 2025. As of November 2025, the 40-year-old Ervine remains an active player despite recurring injuries, including a calf strain that sidelined him from the ODI series against in , and has expressed contemplation of after 15 years of international service while continuing to mentor younger talents. His leadership has helped qualify for major ICC events, underscoring his enduring impact on the nation's revival.

Early life

Family background

Craig Ervine was born on 19 August 1985 in , . He grew up on a farm outside , where the rural setting fostered a close-knit environment during his early years. Ervine comes from a family deeply embedded in Zimbabwean cricket traditions. His father, Rory Ervine, a farmer, played first-class cricket for Rhodesia B in the 1970s, including in the 1977/78 Castle Bowl competition. Similarly, his uncle Neil Ervine represented Rhodesia B in first-class matches during the same era, contributing to the family's longstanding connection to the sport. The cricketing influence extended to Ervine's siblings, reinforcing the family's passion for the game. His older brother, Sean Ervine, debuted for Zimbabwe internationally before transitioning to English county cricket with teams like Hampshire. His younger brother, Ryan Ervine, represented Zimbabwe at the Under-19 level and played domestic cricket, including List A and Twenty20 matches for Southern Rocks. This heritage provided Craig Ervine with early and constant exposure to cricket through family practices and discussions, nurturing his initial interest in the sport.

Education

Craig Ervine received his early education at Bryden Country School, an independent preparatory institution in West, , where he first engaged with school sports programs that included among other activities. He later attended Lomagundi College, an independent co-educational senior school near , to complete his studies. At Lomagundi College, Ervine actively participated in the school's program while pursuing his academics, demonstrating an ability to balance formal education with emerging athletic pursuits. Midway through his tenure, he secured a spot at the Zimbabwe Academy, a key extracurricular milestone that highlighted his developing talent without interrupting his studies; this opportunity came after he overcame a severe hand injury at age 13, sustained from falling through a window, which required and nearly derailed his cricketing ambitions. His family's longstanding involvement in cricket offered additional inspiration during these school years.

Domestic career

Provincial cricket

Ervine began his provincial career with the team, making his List A debut against on 3 December 2003 in the Faithwear Clothing Inter-Provincial One-Day Tournament. He followed this with his first-class debut for against in the 2003–04 Logan Cup on 19 March 2004 at , where he scored 14 runs in the match. Ervine also represented Zimbabwe A in various matches, gaining experience in both List A and first-class formats during his early years, which helped hone his left-handed batting skills. In February 2010, Ervine signed a contract with the franchise ahead of the 2009–10 Logan Cup season. He made an impactful debut for the team against Mid West Rhinos from 3 to 6 February 2010 at Masvingo Sports Club, scoring 81 runs off 130 balls in the first innings—featuring 12 fours—and forming a crucial 178-run partnership for the fifth wicket with his brother —followed by 53 off 138 balls in the second innings. Throughout the 2009–10 Logan Cup, Ervine emerged as ' leading run-scorer with 575 runs at an average of 33.82, contributing significantly to the team's efforts in the first-class competition. Ervine switched to the ahead of the 2011–12 season, where he became a mainstay in the Logan Cup. Over the following years, he delivered key performances, including topping the run charts in the 2015–16 Logan Cup with 477 runs at an average of 47.70. In the 2018–19 edition, he scored his tenth first-class century (103 not out) during the opening round against , underscoring his consistency in multi-day . Ervine transferred to prior to the 2022–23 season to be closer to his family in . In the 2024–25 Logan Cup, he excelled for Eagles, amassing three centuries—including 132 against in January 2025—and finishing as one of the competition's top performers with a exceeding 60. Entering the 2025–26 season, Ervine continued his form, scoring 38 runs in the opening match against Mid West Rhinos on 26 October 2025 at Kwekwe Sports Club, helping Eagles secure a draw in a low-scoring encounter.

Limited-overs domestic cricket

Craig Ervine made his domestic T20 debut for on 13 February 2010 against from in the Stanbic Bank 20 Series at , where he scored 5 runs off 7 balls before being caught and bowled. His early limited-overs experience built on provincial foundations, honing his aggressive batting in shorter formats. Throughout his career, Ervine has competed in Zimbabwe's Pro50 Championship (List A) and Domestic T20 competitions for multiple franchises, including Southern Rocks, Matabeleland Tuskers, and Mashonaland Eagles, often facing rivals like Mid West Rhinos in high-stakes encounters. In the Pro50 Championship, he established himself as a consistent middle-order anchor, notably aggregating 268 runs across 9 innings at an average of 44.66 during the 2012/13 season for Tuskers, placing him among the top run-scorers. A standout campaign came in 2018/19 with Tuskers, where he struck back-to-back centuries, including 130 in the semi-final alongside Brian Chari's 114 for a 200-run partnership that propelled his team to the final. In Domestic T20 leagues, Ervine's contributions have been steady rather than explosive, with representative performances underscoring his role in stabilizing innings against teams such as Mid West Rhinos; for instance, he has featured in several close contests, including chases where his has supported team totals in the 150-170 range. During key seasons with and later with , he provided crucial cameos, such as in the 2024/25 Domestic T20 where Eagles relied on his experience in against Rhinos. Ervine's 2024/25 season with highlighted his enduring impact in limited-overs domestic cricket, particularly in Pro50 where he smashed the tournament's first century with 135 runs off 133 balls in the opener against on 25 October 2024 at , though Eagles fell short in defense. In the Domestic T20, he contributed in Eagles' campaign leading to the final, scoring 21 off 19 balls in the title decider against Mid West Rhinos on 30 March 2025 at , his last recorded domestic T20 appearance as Rhinos clinched victory by 49 runs.

International career

Early international career (2010–2013)

Ervine earned his first international call-up through strong domestic performances for , leading to his selection for Zimbabwe's squad for the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 in the . He made his T20I debut on 3 May 2010 against at in a group stage match, though he did not get a chance to bat as heavy rain limited Zimbabwe to five overs while chasing a revised target of 44, resulting in a 14-run defeat via the Duckworth-Lewis method. Ervine featured in Zimbabwe's other two group matches during the tournament but struggled to make significant contributions, as the team failed to advance beyond the group stage. Ervine's ODI debut came shortly after the World Twenty20, on 28 May 2010 against at in during the Zimbabwe Triangular Series. Batting at number five in a rain-reduced 47-over match, he scored an unbeaten 67 off 56 balls, including seven fours, to anchor a match-winning partnership of 115 with (69*), enabling to chase down a revised target of 192 and secure a six-wicket victory—their first against in 21 years. He followed this with scores of 31 against and 30 against in the remaining group matches, helping solidify his place in the middle order despite finishing third in the tri-series. In August 2010, Ervine traveled with for their ODI tour of the , where he played a pivotal role as the team's leading run-scorer across all formats. In the three-match ODI series, which ended in a 2-1 loss for , Ervine averaged 60.50, with notable innings that showcased his composure against pace bowling on bouncy pitches. His performances on the tour, including a half-century in the final ODI, highlighted his potential as a reliable middle-order batsman capable of building innings under pressure. Ervine made his Test debut on 4 August 2011 against at , becoming the 100th player to represent in . In the single-Test match, he scored 6 in the first innings before remaining not out on 35 in the second as posted 297 to set up a 130-run victory—their first Test win since 2001. Over the next two years, Ervine featured in limited international action, including home series against and in 2011, where he contributed steady scores but faced challenges adapting to longer formats amid 's inconsistent results. He often served as 's top run-getter in bilateral tours during this period.

Exile and overseas play (2013–2017)

In April 2013, following a promising tour of the where he averaged over 60 in ODIs, Craig Ervine was dropped from Zimbabwe's national squad amid ongoing selection disputes and negotiations with (ZC). Ervine refused a winter offer from ZC, citing financial insecurity and inadequate pay as key factors, a decision influenced by similar issues that had prompted his brother to leave earlier. This led to his exclusion from the series against , as he prioritized stability and better opportunities abroad over a reduced domestic deal. Ervine's personal choice to step away from was driven by ZC's broader administrative challenges, including chronic underfunding and payment delays that plagued the board during this era. Seeking to sustain his and form, he pursued overseas opportunities in , joining the Hampshire Second XI for developmental matches and playing for Bexhill and Lordswood. These stints allowed him to refine his left-handed batting and off-spin bowling in competitive environments, with notable contributions at Bexhill where he ranked among the top run-scorers and wicket-takers in local leagues. Additionally, he served as a for in the , further honing his skills amid 's structured club scene. To maintain match fitness and prepare for a potential national return, Ervine extended his overseas play to and during 2013–2014. In , he signed with Cricket Club, where he delivered standout performances, including a match-winning all-round display in a 110-run in June 2013 and a double-century in a 2014 cup quarter-final. He also represented the Northern Knights in the , scoring key innings like 92 and an unbeaten 72 to help secure wins. Later, he played grade cricket for Morley in Perth, , providing additional exposure to varied conditions. These experiences across multiple countries enabled Ervine to stay competitive and address technical aspects of his game, setting the stage for his gradual reintegration into by late 2014 while navigating ZC's ongoing instability through 2017.

Return and resurgence (2017–2022)

Ervine was recalled to the Zimbabwe national team in June 2017 for the tour of Sri Lanka, marking his return to international cricket after a four-year absence spent playing overseas club and county cricket. His re-entry proved immediate and influential, as he anchored the middle order with composure against a strong Sri Lankan attack. In the five-match ODI series, Ervine played a pivotal role in the fourth game at Hambantota, scoring an unbeaten 69 off 55 balls—including eight fours and a six—to steer Zimbabwe to a four-wicket win via the Duckworth-Lewis method, leveling the series at 2-2. Zimbabwe ultimately clinched the series 3-2, with Ervine's steady batting providing crucial stability. Transitioning to the one-off Test at R. Premadasa Stadium, he delivered his second Test century, scoring 160 off 256 balls before being dismissed, to rescue Zimbabwe from 23 for 4 and propel them to 356 all out in the first innings. Though the match ended in a draw, Ervine's knock underscored his growth as a resilient middle-order anchor. From 2018 onward, Ervine solidified his position as a core batsman, consistently scoring runs across formats and series. In the 2017-18 ICC World Cup Qualifier, he notched an unbeaten 80 off 94 balls against the United Arab Emirates, helping secure a seven-wicket victory and aiding Zimbabwe's qualification efforts. Against Pakistan during their 2018 ODI tour of Zimbabwe, he contributed steadily in a challenging series, forming key partnerships to mitigate top-order collapses despite the team's 5-0 defeat. His ODI average during this period hovered around 35, bolstered by 15 half-centuries and two centuries, emphasizing his role in stabilizing innings amid Zimbabwe's transitional phase. In Tests, Ervine's resurgence continued with notable performances, including a 107 against in , though the match drew. He amassed three centuries and several partnerships exceeding 100 runs by 2022, reinforcing his importance in the lower middle order. By 2021, Ervine's reliability earned him the vice-captaincy in ODIs, where he deputized effectively and began grooming leadership skills ahead of greater responsibilities.

Captaincy and recent years (2022–2025)

In March 2022, Craig Ervine was appointed as Zimbabwe's full-time white-ball captain, having previously led the side on an interim basis. This role was extended to captaincy in July 2024, when he was named to lead the team in their inaugural against . Under Ervine's leadership, qualified for the by winning the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in October 2025, defeating by seven wickets in the final to complete an unbeaten campaign—their first appearance at the event since missing the 2024 edition. This success marked a significant turnaround, following absences from major ICC tournaments in recent years. A highlight of Ervine's captaincy came in October 2025, when secured a historic Test victory against at , winning by an innings and 73 runs after posting 359 in their only innings— managed 127 and 159. Ervine's tactical decision to bowl first after winning the toss set the tone, with the bowling attack, led by Richard Ngarava's in the second innings, dismantling the opposition; his composed leadership helped end 's five-year Test win drought. Earlier, in December 2024, Ervine scored a crucial 104 in the against at , his fourth Test century and the third-oldest by a batter in 21st-century Tests at age 39. However, a calf strain injury in August 2025 ruled him out of the ODI series against , forcing Sean Williams to deputize. Ervine featured in the Test against at , , in May 2025, where Zimbabwe suffered an innings-and-45-runs defeat despite his steady 42 in the first innings. He continued captaining in 2025 series against in July and in August, scoring consistent innings such as 17 and 49 against , and 7 and 17 against , amid competitive but challenging results. Across 14 Tests as captain, he oversaw two wins, ten losses, and two draws, with notable improvements in team resilience against stronger opponents like and , fostering a more competitive unit.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Craig Ervine married Swart on 12 May 2018 in a lavish ceremony held in Kariba, . The union provided Ervine with emotional stability and support amid professional setbacks in his career at the time. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Jake Rory Ervine, in August 2019. They later had a second son around 2020, followed by the birth of their third child, a , in February 2025, for which Ervine missed a Test match against . Belinda has been described as a highly supportive partner and mother, managing family responsibilities during Ervine's frequent travels for . The Ervine family often attends his matches together, offering public displays of encouragement, though they prioritize privacy and limit disclosure of personal details about the children. During his captaincy tenure from onward, Ervine has emphasized maintaining this family balance alongside leadership duties.

Life outside cricket

Craig Ervine resides in , , where he was born and raised, maintaining close ties to the local community. Growing up on a family farm outside the city, he developed an early appreciation for rural life, which influenced his grounded perspective despite the demands of his professional commitments. Ervine has been involved in local community efforts through his family's philanthropic initiatives, including support for marginalized areas via a mobile clinic that provides medical assistance. His parents, whom he has publicly praised for their contributions to healthcare quality in underserved regions, have inspired this work, with the family historically engaged in charity at Eden Children's Village following the loss of their farm. While Ervine's personal brand emphasizes resilience and community roots, he has not pursued high-profile endorsements as of 2025. Off the field, Ervine shares a deep, longstanding friendship with fellow Zimbabwean cricketer Sean Williams, dating back to their Under-19 days in 2004; the pair describe themselves as inseparable, with Williams jokingly referring to their bond as a lifelong "marriage." This camaraderie extends to shared personal experiences and mutual support beyond professional settings. Ervine maintains an active presence on under the handle @sluggo7785, where he connects with over 8,000 followers, though his posts primarily reflect his public life rather than specific hobbies.

References

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