Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S Chevrons have hit the ground running in England, wasting no time in fine-tuning their preparations for a historic return to Test cricket on English soil.
The national men’s side held their first training session on Monday in Leicestershire as they gear up for a landmark four-day Test against England at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, scheduled for May 22–25. It will mark Zimbabwe’s first red-ball match in England in over two decades.
Before that, Zimbabwe will face a First-Class Counties XI in a four-day warm-up fixture from May 15–18 at the Uptonsteel County Ground in Leicester.
Head coach, Justin Sammons said spirits were high following a productive opening session after the team’s arrival in the UK.
“It was a good day. Obviously, we had a long journey from Harare to Leicestershire, so Sunday was focused on recovery. Curtly Diesel, our strength and conditioning coach, had the guys switched on.
“Monday was our first field and net session. It went excellently — just a nice technical start — and the guys are ticking their boxes. I’m happy with how it went,” said Sammons.
Despite the long travel and unfamiliar English conditions, Sammons said the players were embracing the challenge and the prestige of returning to Test cricket in one of the game’s most iconic arenas.
Zimbabwe’s return forms part of a broader push to rebuild their red-ball programme, buoyed by a spirited 1–1 home series draw against Bangladesh earlier this year.
“There’s great energy in the group. They’re super excited to be here. I don’t think you can ask for anything better than playing Test cricket in England — it naturally energises the group.
“This is why you play the game: to test yourself against the best. England are one of the top Test teams in the world, so this gives us a gauge of where we are and what we need to do going forward,” said Sammons.
He praised the players’ self-belief and said their ten-day preparation window, including the warm-up match, provides the ideal platform to be ready.
“The guys believe they belong at this level. I’m looking forward to seeing them walk out there with their chests out, owning the moment. Our preparation is excellent. We’ve got a warm-up game, more practices in Nottingham — so, I don’t think we could ask for better.”
After the England Test, Zimbabwe will also face South Africa in a four-day clash at Arundel from June 3–6. That match will serve as a key tune-up for the Proteas ahead of their ICC World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s from 11–15 June.
Meanwhile, England have made one change to their squad. Uncapped 21-year-old wicketkeeper-batter James Rew has been called up to replace the injured Jordan Cox.
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