Bulawayo, Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe handed Test debuts to three players as their 20-month hiatus from the longest form of the game came to an end with the first Test against New Zealand at Queens Sports Club on Thursday.

Zimbabwe’s last Test was back in November 2014, when they lost a series 3-0 to Bangladesh, and their return to the format saw them field three new batsmen in Chamu Chibhabha, Brian Chari and Prince Masvaure.

The trio were immediately given the opportunity to show their abilities as Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer won the toss and elected to bat first.

Kane Williamson became New Zealand’s 29th Test captain, taking over the reins following Brendon McCullum’s international retirement back in February.

Teams

Zimbabwe: Chamu Chibhabha, Brian Chari, Hamilton Masakadza, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza Butt, Prince Masvaure, Regis Chakabva, Graeme Cremer, Donald Tiripano, Mike Chinouya.

New Zealand: Tom Latham, Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, BJ Watling, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult.