Captain Craig Ervine is delighted to be leading Zimbabwe into a historic Trent Bridge Test, but stresses that the Chevrons are not just here to make up the numbers.

“To have this opportunity, we really want to put Zimbabwe on the map, and show that we are coming over with the right mindset,” declared Ervine.

“We are coming here to win, not just to fulfil a fixture. There’s a lot of focus, and a lot of hope that we can cause an upset.

“Among all Zimbabweans, even leading up to our trip over here, the excitement was phenomenal,” he added.

“I think everyone in the group is really excited, [and] a lot of that was spreading before we actually came over.”

As Zimbabwe’s eagerness continues to grow for a historic match, Ervine notes that although his side are aware of the occasion, they will remain grounded as they look to compete.

“A lot of the chat around the group in the build-up has been to focus on cricketing principles,” he explained. “We won’t worry too much about outside noise.

He went on to discuss the positive impact of key members of the playing squad who have experience of time in England, as well as of a former Notts and Zimbabwe favourite who can be leant on to understand how to be successful at Trent Bridge.

“We’ve got a lot of information of the ground. It’s really nice to have guys in our group that have played in these conditions before,” said Ervine.

“We had discussions with Brendan Taylor before we left Zimbabwe, and it’s been very nice to have those options and get that information from guys who know a lot about this ground.

“Having guys in the group that can share their experiences and the insight that they can bring, relaxes us as a group.”

In his quest to soak up information ahead of the clash, Ervine explained his learnings about English crowds, to the point that he singled the Trent Bridge atmosphere out for specific praise.

“Hopefully, there can be a bit of rivalry between the Barmy Army and the Zimbabweans that turn out to support us over the next few days.

“Back home at Harare Sports Club, we have the Castle Corner, and here [at Trent Bridge] there is the Barmy Army, so it will be really nice to see and feel that atmosphere over the next few days.”