Zimbabwe have named a 15-member squad for their historic one-off Test against England later this month, with star all-rounder Sikandar Raza returning to the side.
The historic Test will start on May 22 – marking Zimbabwe’s first Test on English soil since 2003. The tourists arrive fresh from a landmark 1-1 series draw in Bangladesh, where they claimed the opening Test before the hosts fought back. They’ve made three changes to the squad that toured the subcontinent.
The biggest takeaway from Zimbabwe’s squad announcement is the return of Raza, who missed the one-off Test against Ireland and the Bangladesh series due to franchise commitments. Raza has been in stunning form in the Pakistan Super League for Lahore Qalandars, with 220 runs at an average of 55.00 (strike rate 164.17) and eight wickets at 12.62 (economy 6.65) – making him his team’s top run-scorer and wicket-taker. He replaces Johnathan Campbell.
Also making a comeback is Clive Madande, who has recovered from an injury setback to take over the backup wicketkeeping duties from Nyasha Mayavo. Vincent Masekesa, who took a five-wicket haul on his Test debut against Bangladesh, misses out as the visitors have opted for an extra seam bowling option in Newman Nyamhuri.
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"In terms of performance, I expect us to play to a standard that can compete with one of the best teams in the world," said Zimbabwe head coach Justin Sammons. "I really want to see the guys walking out there believing that they belong, embracing and enjoying the moment."
Following the match, Zimbabwe will play South Africa in a four-day fixture at Arundel starting June 3. The game will serve as a preparation for South Africa ahead of their 2023-25 World Test Championship final against Australia from June 11.
Zimbabwe squad for one-off Test against England
Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande (wk), Wessly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Victor Nyauchi, Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Nick Welch, Sean Williams.
Zimbabwe announce Test squad for historic England clash
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) May 3, 2025
Details 🔽https://t.co/cEmvAO7WsQ pic.twitter.com/vySvjFkJ57
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