England plan to host Zimbabwe for the first time in over 20 years, including Lord’s Invitation

Sikandar raza Zimbabwe Cricket | Wonder Images

The England Cricket Board (ECB) plans to host Zimbabwe for the first time in over 20 years, it is being reported.

And that could include Test cricket, according to The Telegraph. Bangladesh is cited as another country to be invited.

England last hosted Zimbabwe in 2003. They did tour the Southern African nation in 2004 for the last bilateral series.

As political relations between Harare and London deteriorated, the UK government instructed England to avoid playing Zimbabwe, including forfeiting points at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003.

If this comes to pass, it would be a great shot in the arm for Zimbabwe. England are the only full-member team who have not played Zimbabwe in series 20 years, representing the longest period without such for any nations at the top table.

That has seen Zimbabwe feel left out on the cricketing jamboree that comes with the English, who by far play more cricket than any other nation.

The relationship seems to be improving, especially after the departure of the late former President Robert Mugabe.

In that time, county sides have toured Zimbabwe. Durham and Glamorgan were the latest ones, playing multi-series against local sides.

The video below contains an outgoing reception for the Durham and Glamorgan, including remarks from the UK Ambassador to Zimbabwe Melanie Robinson, Zimbabwe Cricket Director of Cricket Hamilton Masakadza and cricketers Alex Lees, Billy Root and Eddie Byrom.