West Indies, at the start of this year’s campaign, would like to boost their confidence and build momentum in the longest format. On the other hand, it’s a perfect opportunity for Zimbabwe to make a statement in test cricket and showcase their talent in front of the home crowd.
Earlier this week, West Indies played a three-day warm-up match against the host nation at the same venue on which both the scheduled tests will take place. Batting first, the Men in Maroon put up a great show and scored mammoth 517 runs in the first innings. The Windies skipper, Kraigg Brathwaite, scored a brilliant ton in the practice match and will surely be looking to continue his form.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe will miss their star all-rounder Sikandar Raza, who won’t be taking part in the series due to overseas commitments. However, the addition of former England cricketer Gary Ballance in the Craig Ervine-led Zimbabwean side will provide more stability to the team’s batting line-up.
Fixtures
- 1st Test: February 4-8 at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo – 8:00 am GMT/ 10:00 am local
- 2nd Test:February 12-16 at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo – 8:00 am GMT/ 10:00 am local
Squads
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Raymon Reifer, Devon Thomas, Jomel Warrican, Gudakesh Motie.
Zimbabwe: Gary Ballance, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Tanaka Chivanga, Craig Ervine (c), Bradley Evans, Joylord Gumbie, Innocent Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, Wellington Masakadza, Kudzai Maunze, Brandon Mavuta, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Milton Shumba, Donald Tiripano, Tafadzwa Tsiga.
Telecast and live streaming details
- India: Star Sports, Disney+ Hotstar
- Pakistan: PTV Sports
- Caribbean: ESPN
- UK: Sky Sports
- Afghanistan: RTA Sports, Arjana TV
- Sri Lanka : Siyatha TV, Star Sports
- Bangladesh: Gazi TV (GTV), T Sports, BTV
For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.