Overview

• Zimbabwe Cricket has appointed Gary Ballance as a coaching consultant for their one-off Test against England at Trent Bridge, starting May 22.
• Ballance's deep knowledge of English conditions, gained during his years as an England player, is expected to bolster Zimbabwe's tactical approach.
• This marks Zimbabwe's first Test match against England since 2003, highlighting a significant renewal of cricketing ties between the nations.
• Ballance played 23 Tests for England from 2014 to 2017, scoring four centuries, before transitioning to represent Zimbabwe, where he achieved the rare feat of Test centuries for two nations.
• After retiring from professional cricket in 2023, Ballance's return in a coaching role signals a new chapter in his cricketing journey following earlier controversies and a mental health hiatus.