Trevor Gwandu Ruled Out of Historic Zimbabwe vs England Test Due to Groin Injury: Tanaka Chivanga Called Up
Zimbabwe’s preparations for their upcoming one-off Test against England have been dealt a setback with fast bowler Trevor Gwandu ruled out due to a left groin strain. The injury forces Zimbabwe to make a late change, with Tanaka Chivanga named as Gwandu’s replacement for the historic fixture starting May 22 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.
Gwandu, who did not feature in Zimbabwe’s recent Test series against Bangladesh but played a key role in the one-off Test against Ireland, has been sidelined with this latest injury. In that match against Ireland, Gwandu showed promising form by taking three wickets across both innings, offering valuable pace bowling options for Zimbabwe’s attack.
The 31-year-old Chivanga returns to the Test squad after recovering from an injury that sidelined him following his second Test appearance, also against Ireland in Belfast in 2023. Having made his Test debut earlier that year against the West Indies, Chivanga brings experience and depth to Zimbabwe’s pace department at a crucial juncture.
This upcoming Test holds significant importance as it marks Zimbabwe’s first Test appearance in England since 2003 — a series famously remembered for introducing the legendary English fast bowler James Anderson to international cricket. Nearly two decades later, Zimbabwe will look to put on a strong performance on English soil, a challenge that demands both skill and resilience from the players.
Zimbabwe’s squad for the match is led by captain Craig Ervine and features a blend of youth and experience, including names like Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani, Sean Williams, and the recalled Tanaka Chivanga. The side will hope that their bowlers can adapt quickly to the conditions at Trent Bridge, traditionally a bowler-friendly venue that could aid swing and seam.
England, as hosts, will be aiming to assert dominance at home, but Zimbabwe’s players will be eager to make the most of this rare opportunity. The Test match promises to be an intriguing contest and a chance for Zimbabwe to re-establish themselves on the global Test cricket stage.
As Zimbabwe navigates this last-minute change, the focus will be on how well the squad manages to integrate Chivanga and respond collectively in what promises to be a historic and challenging Test match. Fans will watch closely to see if Zimbabwe can rise to the occasion and make their mark after a 20-year absence from English Tests.
