This will be the first time since 2005 that the two countries have met in a series that has contained more than just a one-off Test. In 2011, the last time that they clashed in Zimbabwe, New Zealand won a thrilling encounter by just 34 runs in Bulawayo, when the hosts just failed to chase down a daunting target of 366 runs to win the game.
The side then met in another one-off Test in New Zealand in January of 2012, when the Black Caps thrashed their visitors in Napier by an innings and 301 runs.
Overall the teams have now played each other 15 times ahead of Thursday’s fixture, with New Zealand having won on nine occasions, and Zimbabwe still waiting to taste their first success.
The hosts however, have suffered a major blow ahead of the series, with fast bowler Tendai Chatara suffering an ankle injury, that will mean him missing both Tests. Zimbabwe were already without another of their front line seamers, with Tinashe Panyangara unable to overcome a back injury in time to take his place in the squad.
The selectors have called up Michael Chinouya as replacement for Chatara. Chinouya has played 65 first class matches and taken 166 wickets, making him a more experience replacement than the players who had represented the “A” side in the warm up fixture against the tourists. However, on the downside, he hasn’t played any cricket since February, and is likely to be rusty.
There is also a fitness doubt about opening batsman Tino Mawoyo, who was struck on the hand by Tim Southee in the “A” team fixture. He faced just four deliveries before retiring hurt, and didn’t bat second time around. Although there was no fracture, he will be monitored, and a decision about his selection will be left as late as possible.