The Cricket Bulletin: Major Talking Points | April 3, 2026

Australia to tour Zimbabwe after eight years

Australia will tour Zimbabwe for a three-match ODI series in September this year. They will take on each other on September 15, 18, and 20 at the Harare Sports Club. Australia had last travelled to Zimbabwe in 2018 and played a T20 tri-series involving Pakistan. Recently, the teams met in the T20 World Cup 2026 where Zimbabwe beat Australia by 23 runs in Colombo.

The ODIs are set to be played on September 15, 18 and 20 at the Harare Sports Club. “We are delighted to welcome Australia back to Zimbabwe for what promises to be a highly competitive ODI series,” Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Givemore Makoni said. “Fixtures of this calibre are vital for our growth as a team. With the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 on the horizon, this tour provides invaluable preparation as we build towards hosting the tournament alongside South Africa and Namibia.

Tom Smith added to England Women coaching staff

Tom Smith, a former Gloucestershire left-arm spinner, joined England Women as a spin-bowling coach ahead of the T20 World Cup. After retiring as a player last summer, Smith moved into a player-coach role and worked as a full-time assistant coach with the club since his retirement. In England Women, Smith will work alongside Luke Williams (assistant), Alex Gidman (batting), Chris Liddle (bowling) and Nick Wilton (wicketkeeping/fielding) in head coach Charlotte Edwards’ staff.

“The opportunity to coach England Women is an amazing one, and I’m incredibly excited to get started. It’s shaping up to be a brilliant summer, with a home World Cup on the horizon and a T20 series against India. I’ll also be returning to Bristol for the India T20 [on May 30], which will be a really special experience and one I’m very much looking forward to,” Smith said.

Ruturaj Gaikwad talks about the young team CSK is nurturing

Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is hopeful about providing a nurturing environment to the youngsters in the side who are going to take forward the franchise in future. In their opening match of IPL 2026, five players debuted for CSK. Speaking of the same, Gaikwad opined, “Looking at this team now, it is a very young team. The excitement is there but at the same time, there’s a lot of difference between experienced players and inexperienced players. So, you have to allow them to make mistakes. You have to allow them to express themselves. You have to make sure that they are in a good headspace.”

He added, “Making their debut for a franchise like CSK – it’s a huge achievement for them. So, first thing is to enjoy it, embrace it and give your best, whatever it is there. If it happens, well and good; even if it does not happen, it is still a long journey for them. They’re still at the start of their careers. It’s just about managing what are their strengths and just navigating them to be fearless and not have any doubts about it.”