Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE cricket head coach Justin Sammons has called on his team to seize the moment and give their all when they face England in a historic one-off four-day Test match at Trent Bridge from 22 to 25 May.
Speaking after the announcement of the Chevrons squad for the landmark encounter, Sammons expressed his desire to see the players rise to the occasion and relish the experience.
“In terms of performance, I expect us to play to a standard that can compete with one of the best teams in the world.
I really want to see the guys walking out there believing that they belong, embracing and enjoying the moment,” said Sammons.
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) yesterday unveiled the squad for the tour.
The one-off fixture marks Zimbabwe’s first Test appearance on English soil in over two decades, the last having come in 2003.
Following a hard-fought 1-1 series draw against Bangladesh, the national selectors have made three changes to the Test squad.
Star all-rounder Sikandar Raza returns to the side, replacing Johnathan Campbell, while Clive Madande is back from injury to take over from Nyasha Mayavo as the back-up wicketkeeper.
Additionally, pacer Newman Nyamhuri reclaims his spot in place of leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa, with the team opting for an extra fast bowler in anticipation of seam-friendly conditions in England.
The landmark Test against England will be followed by a four-day match against South Africa, scheduled for 3 to 6 June at Arundel.
That fixture will serve as vital preparation for South Africa ahead of the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s, set for 11 to 15 June.
The Zimbabwe squad is expected to depart for England on Friday to acclimatise ahead of the much-anticipated Test.
Meanwhile, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Friday named a strong, star-studded 13-man squad for the historic clash.
England will be captained by Ben Stokes, who is set to play his first competitive match of the year after tearing his left hamstring for the second time in six months during England’s final Test in New Zealand.
Following surgery in January and an intense rehabilitation programme, Stokes is said to be in peak condition.
Though he has resumed bowling, there is a possibility he will play solely as a batter initially, as he works his way back to full all-rounder status in time for the upcoming India series.
The squad also includes Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope. England have also called up Essex’s uncapped duo Sam Cook and Jordan Cox, while Josh Tongue returns to the team for the first time in two years.
In the absence of the injured Mark Wood, the seam attack will be led by Gus Atkinson and Matthew Potts, with 11 and 10 caps respectively. Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, with 15 caps, is the most experienced specialist bowler in the squad.
The players will assemble in London on the weekend of 10 May, with head coach Brendon McCullum flying in from New Zealand that week. The team will then head to Loughborough for a training camp, likely to include additional players such as Brydon Carse, before taking a short break and reconvening in Nottingham for match week.
