Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
AUSTRALIA’S eight-year absence from Zimbabwean cricket fields is set to end next year, with the world champions reportedly planning a tour for a three-match One Day International series. The last time Australia played in Zimbabwe was in 2018 during a T20I Tri-Series that also featured Pakistan. For the 50-over format, the gap has been even longer, with their last ODI appearance in Harare dating back to 2014 as part of a Tri-Series that included South Africa.
Although Zimbabwe Cricket and Cricket Australia have yet to officially confirm the tour, reports suggest the Australians will stop in Zimbabwe before heading to South Africa for a Test and ODI series against the Proteas. The visit will form a crucial part of both teams’ preparations for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which Zimbabwe will co-host alongside South Africa and Namibia. While venues are yet to be finalised, matches are expected to take place in Harare and Bulawayo.
According to ESPNCricinfo, Zimbabwe Cricket had pushed for a one-off Test match to headline the tour, but this appears unlikely given Australia’s packed schedule, which includes at least 19 Tests between mid-2026 and the Ashes in 2027. Officials have long targeted late 2026 as a key window to secure rare fixtures against Australia and England, hoping major nations would make a stopover en route to South Africa.
Zimbabwe Cricket chairperson Tavengwa Mukuhlani expressed the country’s strong desire for top-tier Test cricket.
“We are a Test nation, so playing the top countries like Australia and England at home will go a long way to making this format popular in Zimbabwe. Playing against the best teams will help our players develop their skills in Test cricket. Understandably Australia wants to prepare for the World Cup, but hopefully we can play them in Test cricket in the future.”
Test cricket between Zimbabwe and Australia has been on hold since 2003, but officials are optimistic that England will visit for a one-off Test, possibly as an extension of their South Africa tour in late 2026 or early 2027. There are hopes this landmark fixture could be staged at the new Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls. Mukuhlani underlined Zimbabwe’s ambitions for the format.
“Some countries might just play a minimum number of Tests, but we are hoping to play more. We will aim to stage two or more Test match series against the likes of Australia and England.”
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s national team, the Chevrons, have been drawn in the same group as Australia for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Zimbabwe will compete in Group B alongside co-hosts Sri Lanka, Ireland, and Oman. Their campaign begins on 9 February against Oman in Colombo, followed by a clash with Australia on 13 February at the R Premadasa Stadium. They then face Ireland in Kandy on 17 February and conclude the group stage against Sri Lanka on 19 February in Colombo.
The tournament runs from 7 February to 8 March.
– @brandon_malvin
