Craig Ervine, born on August 19, 1985, in Harare, Zimbabwe, emerged as a prominent cricketer from a family deeply rooted in the sport. His father, Rory, and uncle, Neil, both played first-class cricket, creating a cricketing legacy for the Ervine family. Growing up on a farm outside Harare, cricket was more than just a game; it was a family tradition.
Despite facing adversity in his early teens, when a freak accident almost cost him his right hand, Ervine’s determination prevailed. A three-hour reconstructive surgery allowed him to continue pursuing his passion for cricket. His grandparents, who shared his enthusiasm for the game, played a pivotal role in nurturing his love for cricket.
Ervine’s journey into the world of cricket began at Lomagundi College, where his stylish and swashbuckling batting skills earned him a spot at the Zimbabwe Cricket Academy. Despite setbacks, including a move to England to refine his game, Ervine’s resilience and dedication to the sport propelled him forward.
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Personal Information
- Full Name: Craig Richard Ervine
- Date of Birth: August 19, 1985
- Age: 37 Years
- Nationality: Zimbabwe
- Birth Place: Harare
- Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
- Role: Middle-order batsman/Left-handed, Right arm off-break Bowler
- Batting Style: Left hand Bat
- Bowling Style: Right arm Offbreak
- Debut: May 3, 2010
- Jersey No.: 77
- Family: Sean Ervine (Brother), Rory Ervine (Father), Ryan Ervine (Brother)
Debut
Craig Ervine made his international debut on May 3, 2010, in a T20 match against Sri Lanka. Although he didn’t bat in that match, it marked the beginning of his international cricket journey. His ODI debut on May 28, 2010, against India, showcased his prowess with a commendable score of 67 off 60 balls, contributing to Zimbabwe’s victory by six wickets.
A year later, on August 4, 2011, Ervine made his test debut against Bangladesh, scoring six runs in the first innings and a steady 35 in the second, contributing to Zimbabwe’s triumph by 130 runs.
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Rise to Glory
Ervine’s international career faced gradual growth as he established himself as a reliable middle-order batsman. His breakthrough came on August 2, 2015, when he scored his first ODI century against New Zealand, guiding Zimbabwe to victory in a challenging chase.
Notable performances, including a standout 69 runs against Sri Lanka in 2017, helped level a series 2-2 and led Zimbabwe to its first-ever series win over Sri Lanka. With 15 tests, 68 ODIs, and 16 T20Is under his belt, Ervine has amassed 941 runs at an average of 33.60 in tests and 1806 runs at an average of 32.25 in ODIs.
Domestic Career
Craig Ervine’s domestic journey has been marked by consistent excellence. Representing teams like Matabeleland Tuskers, Bexhill, Lordswood, Lisburn, Midlands, Southern Rocks, and Zimbabwe A, he has been a consistent performer in Zimbabwean first-class cricket.
Ervine’s association with Midlands, Zimbabwe U-19s, and Zimbabwe A sides shaped his early years in domestic cricket. His List A and first-class debuts in 2003 and 2004, respectively, paved the way for a successful domestic career. Noteworthy achievements include a century on debut for Southern Rocks in 2010 and being the leading run-scorer in the 2018–19 Stanbic Bank 20 Series tournament.
International Comeback
After a brief hiatus where he pursued club cricket abroad, Ervine made a significant international comeback. Following a change of heart in 2014, he once again made himself available for national selections. His return saw him playing crucial roles in Zimbabwe’s campaigns, including the 2015 Cricket World Cup, where he formed a formidable partnership with Brendan Taylor.
In July 2019, Ervine played a pivotal role in a record-breaking partnership with Sean Williams, scoring an unbroken runstand worth 111 runs during a T20I against Ireland. His consistent performances earned him a spot in Zimbabwe’s squad for the 2018 Cricket World Cup Qualifier tournament.
Captaincy
Ervine’s leadership journey began in February 2020 when he captained the Test team in a one-off Test against Bangladesh. Despite a valiant century on debut as captain, Zimbabwe faced defeat. In August 2021, he assumed the white ball captaincy for Zimbabwe, leading them in limited overs series against Ireland and T20I series against Scotland. He was reinstated as the captain for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in January 2022.
Education
Ervine pursued his A-levels at Lomagundi College, combining academic pursuits with his passion for cricket.
Personal Life
Beyond cricket, Ervine’s family played a crucial role in shaping his cricketing journey. His father, uncle, and brothers, Sean and Ryan, all contributed to the rich cricketing legacy of the Ervine family. Despite early challenges, including a near-amputation of his hand, Ervine’s resilience and family support paved the way for a successful cricketing career.
Is Craig Ervine married, and does he have a girlfriend?
Yes, he is married with Belinda Ervine
What is Craig Ervine’s income and net worth?
The specific details of Craig Ervine’s income and net worth are not publicly disclosed. Cricketers earn income through various sources, including match fees, contracts, endorsements, and participation in domestic T20 leagues. The exact financial details of individual players are typically kept private.
What is Craig Ervine’s highest score in international cricket?
As of the latest available information, Craig Ervine’s highest score in international cricket is 160, achieved in a Test match against Sri Lanka on July 14, 2017, at the R Premadasa Stadium.
How old is Craig Ervine?
Craig Ervine was born on August 19, 1985. As of the current date, he is 37 years old.
What jersey number does Craig Ervine wear?
Craig Ervine is associated with the jersey number 77 during his international cricket career.
How many centuries has Craig Ervine scored in international cricket?
Craig Ervine has scored at least one century in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He achieved his first ODI century on August 2, 2015, against New Zealand, scoring an unbeaten 130 runs.
