SIX Takashinga Cricket Club players have been named in the national team for the England Test series.

A proud moment for the club and a chapter in Zimbabwe cricket history.

The historic one-off Test match is set for Trent Bridge, Nottingham, from May 22-25, 2025.

Trevor Gwandu, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, and Tafadzwa Tsiga, will form the backbone of the Zimbabwean team, as they look to create history on English soil after a two-decade hiatus.

The inclusion of these players is a reward for their hard work and consistency in the domestic circuit.

Gwandu, a talented batsman who debuted in the Test match against Afghanistan in Bulawayo in 2024, will be keen to make an impact on his maiden Test tour.

Masakadza, left-arm spinner-cum all-rounder, will provide depth to the bowling and batting lineup, while Muzarabani’s pace and aggression will be crucial in exploiting the seam-friendly conditions at Trent Bridge.

Ngarava, with his impressive pace and bounce, will be a formidable force in the Zimbabwe attack.

Raza, the star all-rounder, returns to the side after a brief absence, and his experience and never-say-due attitude will be vital in Zimbabwe’s quest for a historic win.

Tsiga, the wicketkeeper-batsman will provide a strong backup option behind the stumps and also offer an assured dimension with his batting prowess.

The selection of these six players from the Patriots is a clear indication of the team’s strong domestic structure and the talent that is being nurtured in Zimbabwean cricket.

The team will depart for England on Friday, with a strong sense of optimism and a burning desire to make a mark on the international arena.

With the likes of Craig Ervine, Ben Curran, and Sean Williams, the Zimbabwe squad looks well-balanced and potent, and the Patriots’ contingent will play a significant role in the team’s quest for success in England.

Zimbabwe Cricket Chairperson Tavengwa Mukuhlani is looking forward to the reunion of cricket ties with England.

“Zimbabwe and England share a great history which is premised on England being our former colonial masters and, along with it, they brought cricket which is now part and parcel of our daily lives, our heritage, and most importantly, we speak English,” Mukuhlani said.

“The momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in world cricket and symbolises the resumption of sporting ties between the two nations, which I believe are healthy and important.

“On our part as Zimbabwe Cricket, for the past 10 years, our main goal and major approach has been to be back in the global nation of cricket, which I believe we have done.”

England Ambassador to Zimbabwe, HE Pete Vowles, torn between two nations. Will he don the rose or the famous Retso-chevron?

“My main problem is what shirt to wear. I have probably spent more of my adult life on Zimbabwe than I have in the UK. I am trying to work out which way to split my shirt. Should I have a Zimbabwe shirt on one side and the English on the other, or Zimbabwe on the front and England on the back?, ” Ambassador Vowles said.

“Ultimately, my job is to strengthen the relationship between Britain and Zimbabwe, between British people and Zimbabwean people, and what better way to do it than through sports – and what better way to do it than through cricket. We are so excited that Zimbabwe will be travelling to the UK to play England in May.”