Staff Writer 
ZIMBABWE Cricket yesterday named a 15-member Chevrons squad for the historic Test match against England set for May 22- 25 at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.
The one-off fixture marks Zimbabwe’s first Test appearance on English soil in over two decades, the last such occasion having come in 2003. Following a hard-fought one-all series draw against Bangladesh in the South-East Asian nation, the national selectors have made three changes to the Test squad.
Veteran 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 light of the expected seam-friendly conditions in England. Zimbabwe head coach Justin Sammons expressed confidence in the group ahead of the historic Test.
“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.
The Test match against England will be followed by a four-day encounter against South Africa from June 3-6 June at Arundel. That match will serve as vital preparation for South Africa ahead of the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s, scheduled for June 11-15.
The Zimbabwe squad, which is captained by Craig Ervine, is expected to depart for England on Friday to acclimatise ahead of the much-anticipated Test, the Chevrons’ first against the English in 22 years.
Zimbabwe Test Squad: Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Victor Nyauchi, Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams.
