Tafadzwa Tsiga

Zimbabwe saw off a late bid by West Indies to force an unlikely result on the last day's play as they finished on 134 for six in their second innings of the drawn first Test on Wednesday.

West Indies off-spinner Gudakesh Motie wreaked havoc in the second Test against depleted Zimbabwe on Sunday in Bulawayo, taking seven wickets to help dismiss the hosts for 115.

Star Zimbabwe batter Gary Ballance was ruled out of the decisive second Test against the West Indies in Bulawayo on Sunday due to a migraine headache. A Zimbabwe Cricket spokesman said Ballance had been feeling unwell for several days and had not recovered sufficiently to play.

Zimbabwe has announced their 16-player squad for the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on July 30 in Bulawayo. Several experienced players, including Sikandar Raza, Roy Kaia, and Tanunurwa Makoni, are set to return after missing the recent series against South Africa. The 2nd Test will commence on August 7.

Brendan Taylor marked his return to Zimbabwe's Test squad after a four-year ban, playing against New Zealand in Bulawayo. His comeback coincided with New Zealand introducing three debutants. Taylor was previously sanctioned for failing to report a financial inducement and testing positive for cocaine.

Brendan Taylor, the former Zimbabwe cricket captain, is set to return to international cricket. His comeback will be in the second Test against New Zealand. This follows the end of his suspension for violating ICC's anti-corruption code. Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine expressed excitement about Taylor's return. Taylor has been working hard to regain his fitness.

New Zealand's pace attack decimated Zimbabwe's batting lineup on Day 1 of the second Test in Bulawayo. Matt Henry's 5-40 and Zakary Foulkes' 4-38 bundled out Zimbabwe for a mere 125. In response, Will Young (74) and Devon Conway (79*) powered New Zealand to 174-1, securing a 49-run lead. Brendan Taylor's return yielded 44 runs amidst the collapse.

England vs Zimbabwe One-Off Test: England and Zimbabwe are set to clash in a historic one-off four-day Test match starting May 22 at Trent Bridge. Zimbabwe, after a period of limited Test cricket, is ramping up its schedule with 10 Tests between December and August. England will debut Sam Cook, welcome back Josh Tongue, and hope for Ben Stokes' fitness.

West Indies cricket legend Brian Lara has fond memories of the southwestern Zimbabwe city of Bulawayo where he scored 191 in a Test innings 20 years ago. The 53-year-old was back at the Queens Sports Club, the scene of his 203-ball knock, this week in a new role as West Indies performance mentor.

Zimbabwe is set to play a historic Test match against England at Trent Bridge, marking their return to English soil after 22 years. England aims to integrate new talent and start their World Test Championship cycle. The match will be a four-day affair with adjusted rules, including increased daily overs and a reduced follow-on margin.