Zimbabwe announce squad for one-off Test against England

Zimbabwe Cricket on Saturday announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming one-off Test match against England, scheduled to begin on May 22 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.

The match holds special importance as it will be Zimbabwe’s first Test on English soil in over two decades—their last appearance coming in 2003.

The Chevrons recently toured Bangladesh for a two-match Test series, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Zimbabwe had won the first Test by three wickets, but Bangladesh bounced back to level the series.

For the England Test, Zimbabwe made three changes to the squad that played in Bangladesh. Star all-rounder Sikandar Raza returns to the Test side, replacing Johnathan Campbell. Raza’s experience is expected to add balance and strength to the middle order.

Wicketkeeper Clive Madande has also made a comeback after recovering from injury and replaces Nyasha Mayavo as the backup keeper. Meanwhile, pacer Newman Nyamhuri has been added to the squad in place of Vincent Masekesa. Although Masekesa impressed with a five-wicket haul on debut in Bangladesh, the selectors opted for Nyamhuri, considering the seam-friendly conditions expected in England.

Head coach Justin Sammons expressed confidence in his squad and encouraged the players to rise to the occasion.

“In terms of performance, I expect us to play to a standard that can compete with one of the best teams in the world,” Sammons said. 

“I want to see the guys walk out there believing they belong, while embracing and enjoying the moment,” he added. 

Zimbabwe squad for England Test:

Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Victor Nyauchi, Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams.