Zimbabwe is set to play England in Tests after a gap of 22 years starting Thursday at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.
The two countries haven’t played each other in any format since World T20 in 2007 in Cape Town.
Ever since returning to Test cricket in 2011, Zimbabwe has only played 40 red-ball games: against Bangladesh (12), Pakistan (5), Afghanistan (4), Ireland (2), New Zealand (4), South Africa (2), Sri Lanka (5), and West Indies (6). However, the last time it played New Zealand was in 2016 and South Africa in 2017.
In this period, Zimbabwe has hosted 24 games and has travelled overseas for 16; winning six and losing 30.
Since the turn of the century, Zimbabwe has played India eight times (last in 2005), Australia two times (last in 2003), and England four times (last in 2003).
2025 is the first time since 2001 when Zimbabwe plays 11 matches in calendar year. It has already played four: one against Afghanistan as part of a two-match series which started late December 2024, one against Ireland, and two against Bangladesh.
Apart from the upcoming one-off Test against England, Zimbabwe will host South Africa and New Zealand for two-match series later in the year.
Zimbabwe against each opponent in Test cricket:
| Opponent | Total matches | Last played | Win | Loss | Draw |
| India | 11 | 2005 | 2 | 7 | 2 |
| Australia | 3 | 2003 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| England | 6 | 2006 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Pakistan | 19 | 2021 | 3 | 12 | 4 |
| New Zealand | 17 | 2016 | 0 | 11 | 6 |
| South Africa | 9 | 2017 | 0 | 8 | 1 |
| Sri Lanka | 20 | 2020 | 0 | 14 | 6 |
| West Indies | 12 | 2023 | 0 | 8 | 4 |
| Bangladesh | 20 | 2025 | 8 | 9 | 3 |