🏏 England to Host Zimbabwe in Historic Test Match

England and Zimbabwe are set to make cricketing history as they prepare to face off in a rare four-day Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, from May 22 to May 25, 2025. This will be Zimbabwe’s first Test match on English soil since 2003, ending more than two decades of red-ball absence between the two nations.

The match is not part of the World Test Championship, but it marks a milestone in the ICC’s push to revive Test cricket among Associate and lower-ranked Full Member nations.

🌍 Symbolic and Strategic

This fixture represents more than just a cricket match — it symbolizes a growing movement to re-engage teams like Zimbabwe that have long been on the fringes of the international Test calendar.

For England, it offers a chance to rotate players and develop new talent, while for Zimbabwe, it is an opportunity to prove their competitiveness and stability on a world stage.

📅 Match Details

Match: England vs Zimbabwe (Unofficial Test)
Dates: May 22–25, 2025
Venue: Trent Bridge, Nottingham
Format: 4-day red-ball match
Broadcast: Sky Sports (UK), ICC.tv (International Streaming)

👥 Squads & Expectations

England are expected to feature a mix of experienced players and uncapped talents, potentially including names like:

Ben Foakes
Rehan Ahmed
Jamie Smith
Matthew Potts

Zimbabwe will field a young side led by experienced players such as:

Craig Ervine (Captain)
Wesley Madhevere
Blessing Muzarabani
Milton Shumba

Former England batter Gary Ballance, who returned to Zimbabwean cricket in 2023, is expected to assist the touring side as a batting consultant.

💬 What They’re Saying

ECB Chair Richard Thompson:

“We are proud to welcome Zimbabwe back to English Test cricket. This is a small but significant step in making the sport more globally inclusive.”

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) Spokesperson:

“We’re honored to play in England after so long. This match is a statement of progress and possibility for Zimbabwean cricket.”

📈 Why It Matters

First bilateral Test between England and Zimbabwe in 22 years
Zimbabwe to receive a touring fee from the ECB — a rarity for lower-ranked sides
Part of the ICC’s mission to broaden the relevance of Test cricket outside the “Big Three”