Cricket: England agree first tour of Zimbabwe

England will break new ground next year by touring Zimbabwe for the first time. England will be in southern Africa from 30 November to 3 January, and will play two Tests - the first between the countries - and three one-day internationals before going on to tour New Zealand.

According to Zimbabwe's cricket union, which was granted Test status in 1992, negotiations are underway to arrange tours by Australia and West Indies, the only Test-playing nations other than England who have not played there yet.

England will get an idea of what to expect from the Under-19 team, which sets off today for a six-week tour of Zimbabwe.

England's last matches against Zimbabwe were during their tour of Australia last winter. The pair played two one-day internationals, winning one match each.

ENGLAND TOUR OF ZIMBABWE (30 Nov 1996 to 3 Jan 1997): 30 Nov Districts (Harare South Country Club); 1 Dec President's XI (Harare Sports Club); 3-6 Dec Mashonaland (Harare Sports Club); 8 Dec Matabeleland (Bulawayo Queen's Club); 10-13 Dec Matabeleland (Bulawayo Queen's Club); 15 Dec First one-day international (Bulawayo Queen's Club); 18-22 Dec First Test (Bulawayo Queen's Club); 26-30 Dec Second Test (Harare Sports Club); 1 Jan Second one-day international (Harare Sports Club); 3 Jan Third one- Day international (Harare Sports Club).