Cricket Match Prediction | ZIM tour of England 2025 | England vs Zimbabwe | Four-day Test | May 22 – Trent Bridge Test Marks Return of Bazball Against Determined Underdogs.

ENG vs ZIM Match Analysis

The Zimbabwean cricket team is set to make a historic return to English soil for the first time in over two decades. They will face England in a one-off four-day Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, from May 22 to May 25, 2025. The match is scheduled to commence at 11:00 AM local time (10:00 AM GMT) each day. This fixture marks Zimbabwe’s first Test match in England since 2003 and only their second-ever four-day Test. The encounter also signifies the renewal of cricketing ties between the two nations, which had been on hiatus due to political and sporting challenges.

England, currently ranked second in the ICC Test rankings, will be led by captain Ben Stokes and features seasoned players like Joe Root and Harry Brook. The team also includes debutant fast bowler Sam Cook, who has been impressive in domestic cricket.

Zimbabwe, ranked tenth, will be captained by Craig Ervine and boasts experienced players such as Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza. The match offers Zimbabwe a rare opportunity to compete against a top-tier Test nation and serves as a significant step in their reintegration into the international cricketing community.

ENG vs ZIM Team Preview & Squads

England

England return to Test cricket after a five-month break, following a disappointing start to the year dominated by poor performances in white-ball formats. Under the leadership of head coach Brendon McCullum, who is back at the helm for this one-off four-day Test, the team will be eager to bounce back and rediscover their winning form.

This match holds added significance as it kicks off a crucial year for England, with high-profile Test series against India at home and the Ashes in Australia on the horizon — pivotal chapters in the evolving “Bazball” era. In the batting department of ENG, while tougher challenges lie ahead in 2025, Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope will be hungry to find consistency at the highest level. Meanwhile, Joe Root aims to build on his superb run of form from 2024.

On the bowling front, debutant Sam Cook joins a relatively untested attack featuring Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, and young spinner Shoaib Bashir, making this an intriguing lineup for England’s red-ball return.

England Squads 

England

Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, James Rew, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Jordan Cox, Ben Stokes, Gus Atkinson, Sam Cook, Matthew Potts, Shoaib Bashir, Josh Tongue

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is set for a rare opportunity to face one of the world’s top Test sides, and this clash in Nottingham presents a significant challenge for the visiting team.

Despite the task ahead, Zimbabwe boasts a core of seasoned players capable of making an impact. Northamptonshire’s Ben Curran, brother of England stars Sam and Tom Curran, is expected to open the innings in what will be his sixth Test. He’ll be joined by experienced campaigners like captain Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, and the ever-reliable Sean Williams — all of whom bring valuable red-ball pedigree.

Williams, in particular, could be pivotal for ZIM. With a Test average above 44 and half-centuries in each of his last three first-class matches, he has the form and technique to challenge England’s relatively untested bowling unit. Should he find his rhythm early, Zimbabwe may begin to entertain hopes of an upset.

On the bowling side, Raza will lead the spin department, while pace duo Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava have the ability to exploit conditions at Trent Bridge, where lateral movement often plays a key role.

Zimbabwe Squads 

Zimbabwe

Craig Ervine, Ben Curran, Clive Madande, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nick Welch, Brian Bennett, Wessly Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, Tanaka Chivanga, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Victor Nyauchi, Trevor Gwandu      

England vs Zimbabwe outfield report 

Trent Bridge, Nottingham

We believe that both captains will be unable to resist the urge to introduce the opposition and attempt to take early wickets on Thursday due to the predicted cold temperatures and abundance of clouds. Nottingham will experience temperatures of little more than 14 degrees on Thursday, high teens on Friday and Saturday, and 17 degrees on Sunday. On Sunday, there can be some rain as well.

Under overcast conditions, the new ball frequently travels around a lot at this great Test match location. A par score in the first innings would be between 300 and 330, but it’s also a very reliable and true batting surface.

ENG vs ZIM Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches 

In their last 5 clashes, ENG won 3 of them and ZIM won none.

England vs Zimbabwe Prediction 

Cricket analysts predict that England has an 80% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.