The West Indies lost their most recent Test assignment away to Australia. They were thoroughly outplayed and never seemed likely to pull off an upset. Their overall fortune, however, has not been as ordinary of late in Test cricket. Prior to the Australia tour, they had blanked Bangladesh 2-0 and, before that, beaten England 1-0 in a three-match home series. It remains the last Test series England have lost till date. They will hope to translate their home form when they travel to Zimbabwe and clash with them over two Tests.

Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will relish the opportunity of playing a Test series against the West Indies in the Clive Lloyd Trophy. They have not played any Test cricket since losing to Bangladesh by 220 runs at Harare in July 2021. Prior to that, they had also hosted Pakistan for two Test matches.

West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite will hope to continue his good run of form. Jermaine Blackwood has been appointed as the vice-captain, and the middle order batter will have a key role to play. Jason Holder and Roston Chase will also be crucial in the middle order and will add stability to the batting unit, while also doubling up as wicket-taking options. Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who made his Test debut in Australia, will be eyeing another solid outing.

The Test series will begin on February 4, with the opening fixture slated to take place at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Bulawayo will also host the second Test, which is scheduled to start on February 12.

ZIM vs WI schedule: Full list of fixtures

(All timings are in local time)

First Test, February 4-8, Zimbabwe v West Indies, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, 10am (8am GMT)

Second Test, February 12-16, Zimbabwe v West Indies, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, 10am (8am GMT)