After a hiatus of 22 years, Zimbabwe is set to make a historic return to English soil for a Test match, facing Ben Stokes’ England in a one-off fixture at Trent Bridge starting May 22.This match marks Zimbabwe’s first Test in England since their 2003 tour, which the hosts won 2-0.England will use this opportunity to kickstart their new World Test Championship cycle and integrate fresh talent. The squad, led by Ben Stokes, sees the maiden Test call-up for seamer Sam Cook, who impressed with a stellar County season. Nottinghamshire’s own Josh Tongue also returns to the Test side after his 2023 Ashes appearance, adding local flair. Top-order mainstays like Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Ollie Pope, and Harry Brook will feature, alongside promising youngsters James Rew, Jamie Smith, and Shoaib Bashir.For Zimbabwe, star all-rounder Sikandar Raza rejoins the squad, bringing his crucial experience. Clive Madande returns as backup wicket-keeper, while fast bowler Newman Nyamhuri replaces leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa, suggesting a pace-heavy attack designed to exploit England’s seaming conditions. Led by Craig Ervine, Zimbabwe’s squad will rely on seasoned performers such as Sean Williams and Blessing Muzarabani, alongside emerging talents, as they aim to make a significant impact on their return to Test cricket in England.England vs Zimbabwe One-Off Test RulesDuration and OversThis will be a four-day Test, rather than the usual five. To compensate, a maximum of 98 overs will be bowled each day, an increase from the 90 overs in a five-day Test. This means a total of 392 overs are scheduled for the match, compared to the standard 450.Playing HoursPlay will run for six and a half hours each day, extended by 30 minutes from the usual six hours in five-day Tests. An additional 30 minutes of play can be extended daily to ensure the overs are completed.Follow-on MarginIn four-day Tests, the follow-on margin is reduced to 150 runs, compared to 200 runs in a five-day match.Second New BallThe rule for the second new ball remains the same: it will be available after 80 overs in each innings, just as in a five-day Test.
What happened during the last four-day Test match in England?Interestingly, when England and Ireland played a four-day Test in 2023, they didn’t even manage to bowl 90 overs in a single day, and the game concluded in just three days. It’s worth noting that the ECB’s playing conditions for that match did not specify the number of overs to be bowled daily.Who’s that IPL player?England vs Zimbabwe SquadsEngland: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Jamie Smith, Ollie Pope, James Rew, Shoaib Bashir, Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, Samuel James Cook, Josh TongueZimbabwe: Craig Ervine (C), Ben Curran, Nick Welch, Brian Bennett, Wessly Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, Clive Madande, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Richard Ngarava, Trevor Gwandu, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Victor Nyauchi
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