ZIM vs WI Head-to-Head, Playing XI, Preview, Where to Watch on TV, Online, and Live Streaming Details for 1st Test

Zimbabwe are set to host West Indies for a two-match Test series starting February 4, Saturday. The two matches will be played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The top players for Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Tendai Chatara, and Blessing Muzarabani, have been left out of the roster owing to different reasons.

Sean Williams, the team's regular captain, is still recovering from a finger injury, thus Craig Ervine will take over as captain. The Test series will also be the first one for both sides in 2023. Gary Ballance, who last represented England in 2017, is all set to take the field for Zimbabwe in what will be his first Test in five years. 

The four uncapped players in the Zimbabwean team are Tanunurwa Makoni, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Joylord Gumbie, and Kudzai Maunze. After six years, Chamu Chibhabha has earned a recall for a Test. West Indies have named a strong squad for the Zimbabwean challenge. Shannon Gabriel has earned a callback.

He last played a Test in November 2021 but had to pull out of international cricket due to a hamstring injury. Jayden Seales, who is recovering from knee surgery, was replaced by Gabriel in the squad. After Phil Simmons resigned following the team's tour to Australia, Andre Coley will serve as the team's interim coach.

Pitch and Conditions

The surface at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, is batter-friendly. But as the game goes on, the track is predicted to become more treacherous. After winning the toss, the captain’s ideal plan should be to bat first. There are signs of significant rain on the first day which can cause delays.

Probable Playing XI for ZIM vs WI 1st Test

Zimbabwe

The hosts have never won a Test match against West Indies in the history of the game. Having played them ten times in the format, they have lost seven games and the remaining three ended in a draw. With a majority of their crucial players missing out, it will be a task for Zimbabwe to beat the visitors.

Probable Playing XI- Innoccent Kaia, Chamu Chibhabha, Craig Ervine (C), Gary Ballance, Milton Shumba, Joylord Gumbie/Tanurwa Makoni, Donald Tiripano, Victory Nyauchi, Richards Ngarava, Wellington Masakadza, Brad Evans

West Indies

West Indies have a brilliant record against Zimbabwe. They’ve never faced defeat against the opponents and have won seven out of the ten Tests played. The Caribbean side has showcased some good performances recently, and against an incomplete Zimbabwean side, the upcoming series should be a cakewalk.

Probable Playing XI: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Nkrumah Bonner, Roston Chase, Kyle Mayers, Jason Holder, Joshua da Silva, Alzarri Joseph, Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican

ZIM vs WI Head-to-Head in Tests

Played- 10 | West Indies- 7 | Zimbabwe- 0 | Draw- 3

ZIM vs WI Broadcast Details

Match Timings- 1:30 PM IST

Live Streaming- FanCode App

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