Nicholls Returns as New Zealand Opt to Bowl First in Bulawayo Test Against Zimbabwe

Nicholls Returns as New Zealand Opt to Bowl First in Bulawayo Test Against Zimbabwe

Bulawayo: New Zealand handed Henry Nicholls his first Test cap since December 2023 and confirmed Rachin Ravindra at No.4 as they took the field against Zimbabwe in the first Test at Queens Sports Club. The hosts, led by Craig Ervine, won the toss and elected to bat first, seeking to break a dismal home record that stretches back over a decade.

Zimbabwe, who last won a home Test in 2013 against Pakistan, are also looking to end a winless streak at Bulawayo, where their last victory came in 2001. They have already played four Tests at the venue this year and lost all of them.

The Zimbabwean XI featured the return of Ben Curran (recovered from a broken hand), Brian Bennett (from concussion), and Sikandar Raza, who missed recent matches due to Major League Cricket (MLC) commitments. They join Nick Welch, Sean Williams, and Ervine in a revamped top six. Wicketkeeper Tafadzwa Tsiga, spinner Wellington Masakadza, and fast bowlers Newman Nyamhuri, Tanaka Chivanga, and Blessing Muzarabani round out the XI.

There was no place for former captain Brendan Taylor, whose three-and-a-half-year ban for breaching the ICC anti-corruption code ended just last weekend. Taylor is with the squad and is expected to be considered for selection in the second Test.

New Zealand, meanwhile, entered the match under the leadership of Mitchell Santner, who became their 32nd Test captain in the absence of Tom Latham, still recovering from shoulder surgery. The visitors boast a well-rounded squad, with Will Young and Devon Conway opening the batting, and a middle order anchored by Nicholls, Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, and Tom Blundell, who keeps wicket.

Their bowling unit includes the experienced Matt Henry, along with promising pacers Will O’Rourke and Nathan Smith, while Michael Bracewell partners Santner in the spin department.

Zimbabwe Playing XI:

  1. Brian Bennett

  2. Ben Curran

  3. Nick Welch

  4. Sean Williams

  5. Craig Ervine (capt)

  6. Sikandar Raza

  7. Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk)

  8. Wellington Masakadza

  9. Newman Nyamhuri

  10. Blessing Muzarabani

  11. Tanaka Chivanga

New Zealand Playing XI:

  1. Will Young

  2. Devon Conway

  3. Henry Nicholls

  4. Rachin Ravindra

  5. Daryl Mitchell

  6. Tom Blundell (wk)

  7. Michael Bracewell

  8. Mitchell Santner (capt)

  9. Nathan Smith

  10. Matt Henry

  11. Will O’Rourke

New Zealand have dominated Zimbabwe historically, winning all seven of their previous encounters. With a strong, balanced squad and depth in both batting and bowling, the visitors pose a formidable challenge to a Zimbabwean side desperate for a home turnaround.

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