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In a noteworthy development, Zimbabwe Cricket made a momentous announcement on Tuesday (August 15) revealing their impending bilateral tour to England. Marking a significant shift, this tour marks the first instance of such an engagement since the year 2003. The focal point of this upcoming cricketing rendezvous will be a four-day Test match scheduled to unfold from May 28 to 31, 2025. While the date has been set, the exact venue of this anticipated encounter is yet to be determined.
The last time Zimbabwe set foot on English soil for a cricketing clash, it was a two-match Test series that concluded with hosts England securing victory in both matches, each by an impressive innings margin. Adding to the cricketing spectacle, Zimbabwe further participated in an enthralling ODI tri-series, a contest that also featured cricketing stalwarts South Africa.
Givemore Makoni, the Managing Director of Zimbabwe Cricket, expressed his elation and shared insights into the monumental decision. “We are absolutely delighted to be resuming bilateral cricketing ties with England after more than two decades,” he stated.
Makoni extended gratitude to the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) for their commitment to revitalizing the cricketing relations that trace their roots back to the origins of the game in Zimbabwe during the 1890s.
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“The significance and magnitude of this tour cannot be overemphasised, 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,” added Makoni.
The James Anderson connection
Notably, the inception of James Anderson‘s illustrious cricket journey can be traced back to the Zimbabwe tour of England in 2003. It was during this tour that Anderson, now an iconic fast bowler, made his Test debut for the English team. His maiden appearance in the Test arena witnessed a spectacular performance, where he clinched five crucial wickets, providing a glimpse of the greatness that would define his future career.
However, the prospect of witnessing Anderson once again in action against Zimbabwe in 2025 seems increasingly remote. As he navigates the twilight of his remarkable career, recent events, including the retirement announcement of his fellow fast bowling companion Stuart Broad from the longest format, contribute to the sense of transition within the team. Presently, Anderson stands at an admirable third position in the list of leading wicket-takers, with an impressive tally of 690 dismissals achieved across 183 matches.
