The two teams have faced each other ten times in Tests, with West Indies winning seven of those, and three of them ending in a draw. The last time the two sides met in a Test series was in 2017, with West Indies winning the Clive Lloyd Trophy 2-1. It will be the sixth Test series between the two teams.

Ahead of the first Test, the touring West Indies unit will play a three-day warm-up match against a Zimbabwe XI led by Faraz Akram in Bulawayo. The West Indies side is led by Kraigg Brathwaite.

Among the highlights from West Indies’ touring unit is the recall of experienced seamer Shannon Gabriel, who last played a Test in November 2021. Left-arm spinners Gudakesh Motie and Jomel Warrican have also earned their comebacks.

Jayden Seales was not selected, having undergone surgery for a knee issue. Anderson Philip is also unavailable due to injury.

Both the Tests will be held at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, also the venue for the last Test between the two sides.

WI vs ZIM, 2023 Tests: Full squads

West Indies squad

Kraigg Brathwaite (C), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Raymon Reifer, Devon Thomas, Jomel Warrican, Gudakesh Motie

Zimbabwe squad

Zimbabwe are yet to announce their squad. The following players featured in the warm-up match:

Faraz Akram (c), Wesley Madhevere, Privilege Chesa (wk), Timycen Maruma, Joylord Gumbie, Carl Mumba, Donald Tiripano, William Mashinge, Milton Shumba, Tapiwa Mufudza, Tanaka Chivanga, Tanunurwa Makoni, Tony Munyonga, Kudzai Maunze, Tafadzwa Tsiga