Neil Ferreira

The 26-year-old Ferreira has been rewarded for his outstanding first-class record of 2427 runs which includes nine centuries and eight half centuries.

Date of Birth: June 3, 1979, Harare Test Debut: Against New Zealand at Harare, 2005  ODI Debut: NA  Bats: Left Hand Bat  Bowls: Right Arm Off Break

The 26-year-old Ferreira has been rewarded for his outstanding first-class record of 2427 runs in 36 matches at an average of 37.92 and it includes nine centuries and eight half centuries.

Educated at Falcon College, Esigodini Neil Ferreira represented Zimbabwe at the various age group teams. An allround sportsman, he also plays tennis, squash and hockey and was in 1997 Falcon 1st XI, Hockey captain. His hobbies include shooting and fishing.

Neil is an ex-Academy player, left-hand opening bat and wicketkeeper. He played with the Academy in 1998-99 and played for Manicaland until he joined the rebel players in 2004. His ability is perhaps limited by international standards, but he is a great-hearted player who rarely surrenders his wicket easily. He is a heavy scorer against all but the best bowling, and made his Test debut as an opening batsman for Zimbabwe against New Zealand in 2004-05 in the infamous two-day drubbing at Harare Sports Club.