Zimbabwe vs New Zealand | Test Series | First Test | 30 July 2025 - 03 August 2025

[Pat_Bee]

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[zimfan1]

Ervine said Taylor is a great addition to the team and brings a wealth of experience.

“He will be available for the second Test. I know how hard he has worked in his individual capacity in the last eight to 12 months in order for this to happen. I am excited to have him come back into the space in the next few days and looking forward to what he has to contribute to the team and the group. He will be coming from a space where he was exceptional in his international career before the ban and having to go through that process as an individual….,” said Ervine.

[CholeZimbo]

BT looking trimmer than Willo . Glad he wants to keep also. But that should be for ODI and T20

[CholeZimbo]

Wow, I’m sure he will be emotional. Not being able to do what you love for 4 years is wild. Hopefully it’s a worthy 2 years for him ahead.

Imagine if Ballance had stuck around. Now that would be a massive team. Oh well.

Curran
Bennet
Ballance
Ervine
Williams
Raza
Taylor (wk)
Evans/Welly
Ngarava
Chivanga
Muzarabani

This team is no pushover and winning on its day

It would be easier for fringe players to ease into this team. Not too exposed, less scrutiny etc.

Welch
Wessly
Nyamhuri
Marumani
Masekesa
Campbell

[AussieZimFan]

Has it been confirmed Taylor will play?

I'm interested to see how Curran returns. He wasn't in great from when he got injured. I'm sure the NZ quicks will give him some short-pitched deliveries to test his finger. I'm not expecting much, but if he can survive the new ball we'll see. Madhevere is gone so at least that's a posituve

[Andy31]

Has it been confirmed Taylor will play?

I'm interested to see how Curran returns. He wasn't in great from when he got injured. I'm sure the NZ quicks will give him some short-pitched deliveries to test his finger. I'm not expecting much, but if he can survive the new ball we'll see. Madhevere is gone so at least that's a posituve

It seems he may play the second test. It be interesting to see if he gets out on the field at all during any stage of the test series.

Curran is a funny one, he could easily of had 4- 5 test 50s. He always looks scratchy but he manages to survive and get starts.

[TapsC2]

If the weather in Bulawayo is even slightly similar to Harare tomorrow and we get that seam friendly pitch first up ... It will be a nightmare to bat in the morning. Toss will be crucial. 4 seamers plus Raza would be the way to go. Would then be praying Newman and Blessing can stick around with the bat.

[TapsC2]

In a weird way BT's return will mentally mess with quite a few players minds. Saw him with the keeper gloves as well. Obviously not for test cricket but quite a few of the passengers in the side will be worried.

All the top order guys will be concerned as well besides Bennett. You immediately know that if you fail in this first test there is a competent replacement waiting to come in. That's usually not the case in our situation. You usually know your competition will probably struggle just as much as you did

[Googly]

This is going to be a tough test for our lads. NZ are damned good.
I believe Wellie has done his ankle so Vinnie will probably replace him.
Vinnie is decent and when he gets into a good rhythm he's tough to face. Hasn't had enough games to compare him to Cremer but they're currently pretty similar, but he's tougher to face than Vinnie and fewer drag-downs. He was a better batsman.
Its going to be another nasty debate over ceiling/ability and black vs white if Cremer is available at some point.
Im sure he's here for the white ball BT/Cremer bandage to get us thru the qualifiers.
Its just a massive gamble hoping two extra guys get us over the line and pray that one or two gems fire.

BT was seen practicing keeping. Its unlikely he'd keep in the next test. In the highly unlikely event that he does, where would he bat?

[Googly]

In a weird way BT's return will mentally mess with quite a few players minds. Saw him with the keeper gloves as well. Obviously not for test cricket but quite a few of the passengers in the side will be worried.

All the top order guys will be concerned as well besides Bennett. You immediately know that if you fail in this first test there is a competent replacement waiting to come in. That's usually not the case in our situation. You usually know your competition will probably struggle just as much as you did

Ya I'd say Welch is once again batting for his life. Curran will have a longer rope. Although Ervine looks like he's struggling he gets the 20's and 30's and he's the captain.