England To Host Zimbabwe In Test Cricket For First Time Since 2003

England and Zimbabwe will square off in a bilateral series for the first time in over 20 years.

England captain Ben Stokes and his team.

Source : Getty Images

England will face off Zimbabwe for the first time in a bilateral cricket series since 2003 when the two sides lock horns in a four-day Test match in May 2025. While it has been confirmed that the match will be played from May 28 to 31, the venue of the match has still not been confirmed. "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," ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould said as per an official release.

"We are committed to developing a closer relationship with Zimbabwe Cricket and the announcement of this Test against our England Men’s team is a step in that ambition. This summer’s Ashes series showcased all that is great about Test cricket and, while we must be mindful of the demands of world cricket’s schedule, we also want to help grow Test cricket and find opportunities to play more nations where we can," he added.

"We are absolutely delighted to be playing bilateral cricket in England for the first time in over two decades after we agreed to play a Test match in May 2025," he said.

"The significance and magnitude of this tour cannot be over-emphasised, and I would like to say a huge thank you to the ECB for committing to the resumption of cricketing relations between our countries that date back to the introduction of the game in Zimbabwe in the 1890s."

The last time England and Zimbabwe squared off in a Test match was back in 2003 at the Chester-le-Street when the Three Lions managed to win the the match by an innings and 69 runs. The hosts had held on to a 2-0 clean sweep in that Test series.