The Australian cricket team is scheduled to visit Zimbabwe next year for a three-game One-Day International (ODI) series. This tour is important because it will help Australia get ready for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be held in Southern Africa, including Zimbabwe.
This short tour will happen just before the Australians head to South Africa for their scheduled series in September-October 2026. News of the tour first came from News Corp and is expected to be officially confirmed soon. The ODI matches will likely be played in Harare and possibly Bulawayo. A newer stadium, the Victoria Falls Stadium, is not expected to be ready in time for the series.
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The ODI series is a great chance for Australia to prepare for the 2027 World Cup, since Zimbabwe is one of the co-hosts. Playing in these local conditions will be very helpful for the visiting team.
However, the trip will not include a Test match, meaning the long wait for a Test between the two countries will continue. Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) really wanted to add a one-off Test game.
The idea was dropped because Australia has too many Test matches already scheduled. They are set to play at least 19 Test matches between mid-2026 and the 2027 Ashes series, leaving no time for another game
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The ZC chairman, Tavengwa Mukuhlani, mentioned that playing top Test nations like Australia at home would help make the format more popular in Zimbabwe.
“Playing against the best teams will help our players develop their skills in Test cricket,” Mukuhlani told ESPNcricinfo.
He understood that Australia needs to prepare for the World Cup but hopes to play them in a Test match in the future. Australia and Zimbabwe have only played three Tests ever, with their last one being in 2003.