England vs Zimbabwe: Gary Ballance to join tourists’ coaching staff for Trent Bridge Test

Former batter Gary Ballance will be part of Zimbabwe’s coaching staff during the four-day Test against England later this month.

Ballance, 35, played 23 Tests and 16 one-day internationals for England between 2013 and 2017.

After admitting using racist language as part of the Yorkshire racism scandal in 2021, Ballance signed a two-year deal to play for Zimbabwe – the country of his birth.

He played one Test, five ODIs and one T20 for Zimbabwe before retiring in 2023, saying he “no longer has the desire to dedicate himself” to professional sport.

“We are thrilled to welcome Gary Ballance to our coaching set-up for this historic tour,” said Zimbabwe’s managing director Givemore Makoni.

“His deep understanding of English conditions, gained over years of playing at the highest level, will be a valuable asset to our team’s tactical preparation.”