CHEVS EXPECT A STORM

CHEVRONS skipper Craig Ervine has suggested that his men will be walking into a storm when they take on England in a four-day Test at Trent Bridge towards the end of the month.

The Zimbabwe cricketers are in England to prepare for the showdown against England. Relations between Zimbabwe and the UK have improved and this has paved the way for the two countries to play each other in cricket battles.

“We’re excited,” said Ervine after his team landed in England.

“It’s been a long time since we toured England.

“The guys are really excited, it was a long trip and quick turnaround after Bangladesh but we’re here in the UK.

“Bright sunny day, we could not ask for a better weather day I think for our arrival.

“The guys are really excited to get going and get into the storm.”

The two sides will be meeting in the game’s longest format for the first time in over two decades.

The match will be a four-day Test from May 28-31 in Nottingham.

This followed successful discussions between the England and Wales Cricket Board and Zimbabwe Cricket to forge closer relations.

England have faced Zimbabwe six times previously in Test cricket, touring the African nation in 1996 for a two-Test series which was drawn and hosting series in 2000 and 2003.

England were victorious in both of those two-match series, winning 1-0 and 2-0 respectively.

Zimbabwe’s tour in 2003 saw England’s all-time leading wicket-taker James Anderson make his Test debut in the first Test at Lord’s, claiming 5-73 in the first innings.

ECB chief executive officer, Richard Gould, said:

“We are delighted to be able to host Zimbabwe for a men’s Test match for the first time in two decades.”Zimbabwe has a proud cricket history and have produced world-class players and coaches who have enriched the game across the world.” — H-Metro Reporter/SkySports.