Islamabad, May 22, 2025: Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bowl vs England in a dramatic start to their first Test on English soil in over two decades. Under overcast skies and cool conditions, Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine made a bold call to field first—setting the stage for a high-stakes clash against an England side returning to red-ball cricket after a five-month hiatus.
As England’s summer Test season kicked off under cloud cover, all eyes turned to the visitors who last played a Test in England 22 years ago. Craig Ervine, recognizing the favorable bowling conditions, put England in to bat first at Lord’s.
Zimbabwe’s pace-heavy line-up features four fast bowlers, led by the towering Blessing Muzarabani, with Sikandar Raza serving as the lone spinner in the absence of Wellington Masakadza.
England mirrored that balance, opting for three seamers and a solitary spinner, Shoaib Bashir. The big news from their camp was the confirmed debut of Sam Cook, who received his Test cap from legend Stuart Broad in an emotional presentation.
Cook is expected to share the new ball but must wait his turn as Zimbabwe takes the field first.
This match carries immense importance for both sides. For England, it’s the beginning of a packed season that includes a five-match series against India and the much-anticipated Ashes. The team is eager to shake off rust and find rhythm after a long red-ball break.
Jamie Smith makes his appearance as wicketkeeper, while seasoned names like Joe Root and Ben Stokes anchor the batting order.
For Zimbabwe, this match is more than just another Test—it’s a rare global stage moment. With 11 red-ball fixtures scheduled this year, the team is seizing every opportunity to reestablish themselves in Test cricket.
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Ben Curran, son of Zimbabwe legend Kevin Curran and brother to England’s Tom and Sam, adds a deeply personal layer to this contest. “I’m just proud to carry forward our family’s cricket legacy,” said a visibly emotional Curran ahead of the match.
Veteran all-rounder Sean Williams, marking 20 years in international cricket, provides vital experience to a Zimbabwe side brimming with ambition. Muzarabani, returning to familiar English conditions after a Kolpak stint and gearing up for the IPL, spearheads a bowling unit looking to exploit early swing.
Playing XIs:
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Ben Stokes (c), Gus Atkinson, Sam Cook, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir
Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Craig Ervine (c), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga, Victor Nyauchi
