Zimbabwe recalled Sikandar Raza for four-day Test against England

Veteran all-rounder Sikandar Raza has been recalled to Zimbabwe's squad for the upcoming one-off four-day Test against England, scheduled from May 22 to 25 at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. This marks Zimbabwe's first Test match in England since 2003 Raza, 39, returns after missing recent Tests against Ireland and Bangladesh due to commitments in various Twenty20 franchise leagues. His inclusion is part of three changes to the squad that toured Bangladesh. Clive Madande rejoins as the backup wicketkeeper, replacing Nyasha Mayavo, while fast bowler Newman Nyamhuri comes in for leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa, reflecting a strategic shift towards strengthening the pace attack for English conditions . Head coach Justin Sammons expressed confidence in the team's ability to compete against top-tier opposition, emphasizing the importance of self-belief and embracing the challenge . Following the Test against England, Zimbabwe will play a four-day match against South Africa in Arundel from June 3 to 6, serving as preparation for South Africa's World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's starting June 11 .