Brendan Taylor in, but no room for Murray Goodwin in Zimbabwe’s best Test XI – 1985-2025

With the Indian Premier League and Pakistan Super League dominating the cricket fixture list at present, there is not much going on by way of international action — except for a quick two-Test series between two of Test cricket’s smaller nations, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe have never been a powerhouse of international cricket, but there was a time when they were strong — at one point in their history they were even able to boast the world’s number one batsman in their team.

The retirement of their golden generation, coupled with political issues and financial woes, saw the team fall into decline. But Zimbabwe is once again a team on the rise. They are a nation with an excellent cricketing pedigree and with a good school and domestic infrastructure. The only way for them at the moment is up.

Now, as Zimbabwe prepare to face Bangladesh, let’s look through the record books to see who makes our best Zimbabwean Test team of all time. Please note: these selections are based on averages in specific batting positions rather than overall career statistics.

1. Kevin Arnott – 302 runs as opener from 4 Tests at an average of 43.14

Often overlooked due to the brevity of his Test career, Kevin Arnott’s numbers as an opener are surprisingly strong. Featuring in Zimbabwe’s formative Test years, he provided early stability at the top of the order.

His average of over 43 from four Tests at opener is the best for any Zimbabwean in that role, making him the standout candidate to lead the line in this XI. He holds the distinction of facing the first ever ball by a Zimbabwean in Test cricket.

2. Alistair Campbell – 306 runs as opener at an average of 38.25

Campbell, like Arnott, finds a spot based on position-specific performance. A stylish left-hander and later a Zimbabwe captain, Campbell was known for his resilience against the new ball and ability to set a foundation for the middle order.

Though his overall Test numbers are more modest, his output as an opener earns him a rightful place in this XI.

3. Brendan Taylor – 316 runs at number 3 at an average of 63.20

Taylor didn’t spend much time at number three, but when he did, he excelled, as an average of 63.20 suggests. Like a couple of other players in this team Taylor can keep wicket, but for now he’s been selected as a batsman.

Taylor was sometimes controversial, and it is fair to say that his career didn’t end how he would have wanted it to, in a haze of match fixing complications and drugs – but it’s not as bad as it sounds, and it doesn’t make him a bad cricketer. He was a team man with a big heart who always gave his best.

4. Dave Houghton (captain) – 1,169 runs at number 4 at an average of 46.76

Zimbabwe’s first Test centurion and one of their most celebrated batsmen, Houghton was a talisman in their early years. His average of nearly 47 is outstanding, especially considering the quality of opposition Zimbabwe faced in that era.

He adds weight, experience, and a fighting spirit to the heart of this XI. He is also our skipper.

Also read: David Warner and Nathan Lyon don’t make Australia’s best Test XI – 1985-2025

5. Andy Flower – 3,788 runs at number 5 at an average of 54.89

Arguably Zimbabwe’s greatest ever cricketer and the one-time top-ranked Test batsman in the world, Andy Flower was nothing short of world-class. He could keep wicket, bat with grace or grit depending on the match situation, and more than held his own against the best bowling attacks of the early 2000s.

With nearly 3800 runs at an average approaching 55, he is the automatic selection at number five — and while he could comfortably don the gloves, we have given them to another player.

6. Grant Flower – 653 runs at number 6 at an average of 34.36

The younger Flower brother slots in at number six. Though often used as an opener during his career, his strongest performances statistically came when batting down the order.

His left-arm spin also offered a useful part-time option, complementing Zimbabwe’s bowling resources. Grant’s grit and versatility earn him a middle-order spot in this XI.

7. Tatenda Taibu (wicketkeeper) – 381 runs at number 7 at an average of 34.63

Taibu could get into the team as a specialist batsman, but we have opted for him to wear the gloves as well. The youngest ever Test captain at the time, Taibu’s tenacity and fighting spirit were hallmarks of a career that should have lasted longer. His Test average of over 34 is impressive given the turmoil Zimbabwean cricket faced during his era.

8. Heath Streak – 789 runs from 36 Tests at number 8; and 216 wickets at 28.14

Zimbabwe’s leading wicket-taker and one of their most iconic figures, Streak’s contribution with both bat and ball was immense. A reliable new-ball bowler with swing and seam in his arsenal, he also provided resistance with the bat down the order.

Streak was the heartbeat of Zimbabwean cricket in their most competitive era, and his leadership qualities were equally valuable.

9. Andy Blignaut – 886 runs at an average of 26.84; and 53 wickets at 37.05

A genuine all-rounder, Blignaut brought pace, aggression, and power-hitting to the Zimbabwean lineup.

His Test match cricket record, while not spectacular, shows his ability to impact games with both bat and ball. His attacking style made him a crowd favourite and a dangerous proposition in any conditions.

10. Ray Price – 80 wickets at an average of 36.06

Left-arm spinner Ray Price was known for his guile, control, and dogged attitude.

Though his stats may not leap off the page, he was often Zimbabwe’s go-to spinner during tough times. He also offered plenty of character and some handy tail-end resistance with the bat. Price played in the IPL.

11. Henry Olonga – 68 wickets at an average of 38.52

A tearaway quick with raw pace and immense heart, Olonga was Zimbabwe’s spearhead before politics forced an early retirement.

His statistics may not fully reflect his potential — or the fear he struck into batsmen — but his significance to Zimbabwe’s cricketing journey, especially during its golden period, is beyond doubt.

12th man. Murray Goodwin – 1,109 runs from 18 Tests at an average of 38.24

Murray Goodwin’s time in the Test cricket arena was fleeting, but his class was unquestionable.

A middle-order rock, Goodwin’s strong technique and calm temperament helped Zimbabwe remain competitive against stronger opposition. His consistency and adaptability make him an ideal player to slot in as twelfth man.

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