The ECB confirmed on Tuesday (August 15) that the match will take place from May 28-31, 2025. Zimbabwe last faced England in a Test on these shores in 2003 - a two-game series during which James Anderson made his debut
Zimbabwe are set for a first Test against England for more than two decades, after a deal was struck for a four-day game in 2025.
The ECB confirmed on Tuesday (August 15) that the match will take place from May 28-31, 2025. Zimbabwe last faced England in a Test on these shores in 2003 - a two-game series during which James Anderson made his debut.
The venue for the 2025 fixture has yet to be determined.
Chief executive Richard Gould said: "We are committed to developing a closer relationship with Zimbabwe Cricket and the announcement of this Test against our England men's team is a step in that ambition.
Zimbabwe will face England in a four-day Test in 2025 [Getty Images]
"This summer's Ashes series showcased all that is great about Test cricket and, while we must be mindful of the demands of world cricket's schedule, we also want to help grow Test cricket and find opportunities to play more nations where we can."
Zimbabwe have only played six Tests against England - twice in 1996, twice in 2000 and twice more in 2003. England have three innings victories and three matches were drawn.
"The significance and magnitude of this tour cannot be over-emphasised," Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Givemore Makoni said.
"I would like to say a huge thank you to the ECB for committing to the resumption of cricketing relations between our countries that date back to the introduction of the game in Zimbabwe in the 1890s.
"The experience of playing a Test match against a top team like England is massive for the current generation of our players, coming at a time when our game as a whole is on an upward trajectory.
Zimbabwe last played a Test in England in 2003 [Getty Images]
"This will be a historic tour for everyone involved with cricket in Zimbabwe and we are already looking forward to some exciting action on the field of play."
Zimbabwe's Test schedule is extremely limited. They have played just twice since the end of 2021 - a two-game trip to the Caribbean in February - and just 12 times over the past five years.
In the same period, England have been in action on 67 occasions.
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