Image source– X (Zimbabwe Cricket)
Imagine a scenario where a country has played all of 14 Tests in the last seven years and in this year alone, they get a chance to compete in 11.
Yes, more than 75 percent of what they have played in almost a decade, getting fulfilled in just one year.
Unfathomable, isn’t it?
Well, such are the vagaries of international cricket, particularly in the five-day game where the big three in India, Australia and England always compete in double digits for the number of Tests played in a calendar year, leaving the other countries only to play catch up.
With this being said, this year perhaps is an anomaly as the highest number of Tests being played in 2025 is by non-other than a country in Southern Africa, which most pundits would think are the seasoned campaigners, South Africa albeit it’s actually their northern neighbours, Zimbabwe.
An anomaly, the Chevrons would be extremely delighted with and possibly something that makes the die-hard purist also appreciate with world cricket at least for now becoming a level playing field.
The irony though, none of these 11 Tests are part of the next World Test Championship cycle which perhaps is beyond every ounce of one’s understanding.
Well as they say, everything doesn’t come wrapped in gold!
Having already played four Tests this year, two at home – divided between Afghanistan and Ireland respectively, and two away against Bangladesh, Zimbabwe are now set to play England at Nottingham for a 4-day Test, a contest 22 years in the making.
Let this sink in
The last time Zimbabwe set foot in the United Kingdom to play the longest format was way back in 2003, which was the debut series of the mighty James Anderson. Well, such has been the gap which perhaps has seen a generation of cricketers come and go.
After England, the Chevrons will host six more Tests at home including series against the Proteas and the BlackCaps which undoubtedly will be tremendously gratifying, playing the likes of England, South Africa and New Zealand in the same year.
So, with a bumper season for Zimbabwe unfolding as this year progresses, there are some other noteworthy developments also which perhaps could serve as the icing on this consistency filled cricketing cake:
Hundred Test wickets on the radar, a ‘Blessing’ for Muzarabani
If one were to ponder as to who has been the spearhead for Zimbabwe’s pace bowling in recent times, the mind would definitely sway towards the towering Blessing Muzarabani.
A pillar of consistency, Blessing has already notched up 26 wickets this calendar year at an average of just 18 which serves as almost half of his career cherries, currently standing at 51.
This with indomitable fifers in his last three Test outings against the likes of Afghanistan, Ireland and Bangladesh. Undoubtedly a feat worth every praise.
With Zimbabwe still to play seven Tests this year, one shouldn’t be surprised if Muzarabani does hit the century mark as he perhaps is currently in the best bowling form of his life, using his height advantage to great effect in consistently extracting those cherries.
If he does achieve this landmark, Blessing would become the second highest Test wicket taker for his country only behind the legendary Heath Streak, who has 216 scalps to his name.
Certainly, something to look forward to one would reckon.
Zimbabwe’s most prolific batter, Brendan Taylor likely to make international comeback
When one thinks about Zimbabwe’s batting greats, one name that perhaps always comes to mind is that of the majestic right hander, Brendan Ross Murray Taylor.
At a time when there was a mass player exodus from Zimbabwean cricket in the early to mid-2000s owing to the political ills that had plagued the country, an 18-year-old would debut for the Chevrons not knowing what to expect.
Well in time, he would make the international arena his own, surmounting more 2000 Test runs in just 34 Test matches with 12 half a tons and 6 hundreds. Certainly, a praise-worthy achievement.
What transpired after was a rather unfortunate episode of his retirement which actually would become an international ban owing to match fixing allegations which scarred Brendan and the substance abuse that added fuel to his already uncontrollable fire of negativity.
Though that is now all water under the bridge, as Taylor in August this year would become eligible to play again for the Chevrons which undoubtedly is a huge boon.
At 39, age may not be on his side, but his eagerness to contribute to his country certainly is. It’s a facet that could see him back in the reckoning for the second Test against New Zealand and the matches that follow.
This would undoubtedly lift Zimbabwe not only from a batting standpoint but also an experience standpoint to perfectly complement the likes of Ervine, Williams and Raza and the oodles of young talent in the team.
So, as a vibrant new chapter unfolds — rich in fixtures and brimming with talent — hope stirs that the Chevrons will rise again, not only as a force to be reckoned with, but as the beloved team that once captured hearts around the world.
Because when Zimbabwe is strong, world cricket is on song!
