England will look to start the new World Test Championship cycle on the front foot, while Zimbabwe will hope to celebrate their return to England with a win after their stellar performance in Bangladesh recently.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Zimbabwe last toured England for a Test series in 2003, where the hosts sealed a 2-0 win. Before that, the two sides clashed in red-ball fomat in 2000 (England won 1-0) and 1996-97, where the series ended in a draw.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
England will use this opportunity to test new faces and combinations ahead of a busy summer. The blend of youth and experience sees the inclusion of seamer Sam Cook, who earns his maiden Test call-up after a stellar County season and recent success with the England Lions. Nottinghamshire pacer Josh Tongue also makes a return to the Test side following his Ashes appearance in 2023, bringing local interest to the fixture.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ben Stokes will lead a squad featuring top-order regulars Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Ollie Pope, and Harry Brook, while promising talents James Rew, Jamie Smith, and Shoaib Bashir look to seize their chances.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For Zimbabwe star all-rounder Sikandar Raza rejoined the side, while Clive Madande returns as the back up wicket-keeper and fast bowler Newman Nyamhuri replaced leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa from the side that played Bangladesh, giving Zimbabwe a pace-heavy attack to exploit England\u2019s seaming conditions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Led by the experienced Craig Ervine, Zimbabwe\u2019s squad will rely on seasoned performers like Sean Williams and Blessing Muzarabani with emerging talents, aiming to make an impact in England in a test match for over two decades.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The match will be live-streamed on Sony LIV and the broadcast will be available on Sony Sports Network.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Squads:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
England:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ben Stokes (Captain), Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Sam Cook, James Rew, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Zimbabwe:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ben Stokes (Captain), Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Sam Cook, James Rew, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> LIVE Cricket Score<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n