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ENG vs ZIM Only Test: All You Need To Know About Rules For Four-Day Fixture

Sakshi Sharma

England vs Zimbabwe one-off Test (Source:@ICC,X.COM)England vs Zimbabwe one-off Test (Source:@ICC,X.COM)

Zimbabwe will return to English soil for a historic one-off Test match against England, beginning on May 22 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. The match is significant as it revives the concept of a four-day Test. The experimental format that ICC is quietly exploring in response to evolving broadcast demands, fan engagement trends, and scheduling pressures.

So as England prepare to host Zimbabwe, in this article, let's take a look at the rules and regulations for the four-day Test. 

Why A Four-Day Test?

In a bid to adapt to modern challenges like condensed international calendars, changing audience consumption patterns, and broadcast limitations, the ICC is reconsidering the traditional five-day structure. The England-Zimbabwe clash will be played in this shorter version. 

Here’s a breakdown of the specific rules being applied in one-off encounter:

Duration And No.Of Overs

  • This Test will be played over four days, unlike the usual five.
  • To ensure adequate gameplay, each day will feature a maximum of 98 overs, up from the standard 90 overs in a five-day Test.
  • Across four days, that adds up to 392 scheduled overs, compared to 450 in the full-length version.

Follow-On Rule

  • The follow-on margin has been adjusted to 150 runs, down from the traditional 200-run threshold in five-day Tests.
  • This gives the trailing side a slightly reduced buffer, which aligns with the shorter match duration.

Rule Related To Playing Hours

  • Daily play will run for six and a half hours, extended by 30 minutes compared to the regular six-hour duration.
  • If necessary, an additional 30 minutes can be added each day to ensure all 98 overs are bowled.

Second New Ball

  • The availability of the second new ball remains unchanged: it can be taken after 80 overs in an innings. 

England has already announced the Playing XI for the fixture. Sam Cook has received his maiden-test call following a standout County season. Josh Tongue makes a return to the squad. Batting stalwarts Joe Root, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, and Ollie Pope will be crucial players for England’s campaign. 

On the other hand, for Zimbabwe, the experienced Sikandar Raza returns to bolster both batting and bowling. Newman Nyamhuri replaces leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa, indicating Zimbabwe’s plan to exploit England’s seam-friendly conditions.