For England, the cricket test against Zimbabwe in Nottingham this week is little more than a warm-up match ahead of much sterner examinations to come.

For England, the cricket test against Zimbabwe in Nottingham this week is little more than a warm-up match ahead of much sterner examinations to come

The restoration of cricketing ties between England and Zimbabwe will become complete on Thursday when Trent Bridge plays host to a standalone four-day test between the two nations.