In a momentous stride for cricket enthusiasts, Zimbabwe is all set to make a return to English shores for a much-anticipated bilateral series after nearly two decades. Zimbabwe Cricket announced the exciting news on Tuesday, August 15, revealing that the two teams will lock horns in a riveting four-day Test match scheduled to take place from May 28 to May 31, 2025. While the fervour for the encounter mounts, the eagerly awaited venue for the exhilarating clash is yet to be unveiled.
A historic tour after 2 decades
The last time Zimbabwe embarked on a tour to England was in the year 2003, marking a significant passage of time since their last bilateral engagement. During their previous tour, the host nation secured victory in the two-match Test series with a commanding 2-0 lead, emerging triumphant in both matches with an impressive innings margin. Notably, this tour also witnessed Zimbabwe’s participation in an enthralling ODI tri-series, which featured England and South Africa as well.Â
Givemore Makoni, the Managing Director of Zimbabwe Cricket, expressed his jubilation over the decision, highlighting the monumental nature of the forthcoming tour. He extended his gratitude to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for taking the step towards revitalizing cricketing relations between the two nations, which have deep roots dating back to the inception of the game in Zimbabwe during the 1890s.
Makoni stated, “The significance and magnitude of this tour cannot be overemphasised, and I would like to say a huge thank you to the ECB for committing to the resumption of cricketing relations between our countries.”
Team management excited for the series
He further added, “The experience of playing a Test match against a top team like England is massive for the current generation of our players, coming at a time when our game as a whole is on an upward trajectory. This will be a historic tour for everyone involved with cricket in Zimbabwe, and we are already looking forward to some exciting action on the field of play.”
The sentiment was echoed by Richard Gould, the CEO of ECB, who shared his excitement about hosting Zimbabwe for a men’s Test match, marking a pivotal moment in their cricket history. Gould emphasized the legacy of Zimbabwe’s cricketing heritage, which has produced world-class players and coaches that have significantly enriched the global cricket landscape.
Gould noted, “We are committed to developing a closer relationship with Zimbabwe Cricket, and the announcement of this Test against our England men’s team is a step in that ambition. This summer’s Ashes series showcased all that is great about Test cricket, and while we must be mindful of the demands of world cricket’s schedule, we also want to help grow Test cricket and find opportunities to play more nations where we can.”
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