The first ball of the Test summer is poked into the leg side by Zak Crawley. The second is worked off the hip for the first runs.

It's going to be Big Blessing's mate Richard Ngarava who will take the first over.

Zak Crawley is on strike.

Here we go for 2025!

Vic Marks
Former England spinner on Test Match Special

Blessing Muzarabani is the leading Test wicket taker this year. He is 6ft 8in! He's clearly going to present an unusual challenge.

Zimbabwe certainly look the part as they get together in their huddle.

There's gentle applause as Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett stride to the middle under cloudy skies.

It may be a bowling morning...

Image source, Getty Images

Much of the talk in the build-up to the 2025 summer has been about England's men and the things they say.

You don't need me to list some of the silly answers Ben Duckett, Harry Brook and co have given in recent times.

In a bit of a change of message, coach Brendon McCullum has called on he players to improve their "humility" as they begin a year that will define his spell in charge.

"It's not just about what you do on the cricket field. It's how you carry yourself. It's how you interact with the public. It's the messaging that you give," McCullum said.

"The ability these guys have to be able to play on the biggest stage, under the brightest lights and the pressure that takes is one thing, but also the ability to be humble and show some humility and not feel out of touch with the general population is something I'd like to see us improve on."

Anthem time...

Phil Tufnell
Former England spinner on Test Match Special

When Shoaib Bashir came in and bowled for England he has done OK.

There's a little bit of a question mark over him.

Let's be clear, one thing about these next eight-to-nine months, India and Australia - he will be targetted.

I watched Farhan Ahmed, Rehan's younger brother, earlier in the County Championship season at Trent Bridge and was very, very impressed. He's been with England in the nets this week but Shoaib Bashir keeps his place.

Vic Marks
Former England spinner on Test Match Special

England seem to be a bit more flexible.

They had a very one-sided bowling attack [at the ICC Champions Trophy] - pace, pace, pace.

They're very Ashes conscious. Pace is essential. Now, it's more healthy that they're thinking of a more balanced bowling attack [by including Sam Cook].

Image source, PA Media

England Test debutant Sam Cook, speaking to Sky Sports: "It was nice to have that to chase and work towards. It has driven me to keep getting better. It is very nice to get that reward, finally.

I have had some success with Essex here over the years - it will be a different challenge here this week.

"I have been slightly surprised with how relaxed I have been coming into it. When you get that ball in hand there maybe is some different emotions."

On his aims with the ball: "A bit of seam and a bit of swing - probably not going to blow anyone's head off at 90mph!

"My role is to make that new ball talk and to take wickets."

Image source, Getty Images

Today has been a long time coming for Essex bowler Sam Cook, who was presented his Test cap by Stuart Broad a little earlier.

He has been the outstanding pace bowler in county cricket in recent years.

A skilful, accurate seamer who largely operates around 80mph, Cook's 227 County Championship wickets are the most by any seamer in the past five years.

Overall, his 321 first-class wickets have come at an average of only 19.85.

He's had to wait for his chance and took the longer route to the professional game via a history and international relations degree. He's also a DJ in his spare time and has a pet tortoise.

Read about Sam Cook's journey to Test cricket

Henry Olonga
Former Zimbabwe player on Test Match Special

There's been a lot going off in Zimbabwe cricket. They are kind of feeling their way back into cricket. They have three players in their late thirties, and they will want to have a swansong year.

Image source, Getty Images

This is Zimbabwe's first Test in England since 2003 so I'll forgive you for not being up to speed on the The Chevrons.

They are currently 10th in the ICC Test rankings but did end their four-year wait for a victory in the format against Bangladesh with a win last month.

Their XI has a mix of some veterans - 38-year-old Sean Williams and two 39-year-olds in Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza - and some younger names.

There's Ben Curran, brother of England internationals Sam and Tom, while you might want to watch out for 6ft 8ins fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani, who is the leading wicket-taker in the world this year.

You can read more about him here.

England XI: Crawley, Duckett, Pope, Root, Brook, Stokes (capt), Smith (wk), Atkinson, Tongue, Cook, Bashir

Zimbabwe XI: Bennett, Curran, Ervine, Williams, Raza, Madhevere, Tsiga, Ngarava, Muzarabani, Chivanga, Nyauchi

Image source, Getty Images

England captain Ben Stokes: "Yes, it has been a long time since we have been together.

"Not affected me too much - our last Test match was New Zealand in December. It has been four-to-five months of rehab [after hamstring surgery in January], but the day's here where I can get back out on the field.

"Generally, here the wicket is good at Trent Bridge. Go out with the bat in hand and put a big score on the board.

"It is exciting for Cooky [Sam Cook], Broady [Stuart Broad] gave him the cap and said 'he hasn't knocked the door down, but he kicked it down'.

"He has been incredible for Essex for a long period of time now. It was a matter of when for Cooky. When you look at the skills he has with the ball, our bowling attack is going to compliment each other very well."

Michael Vaughan
Former England captain on BBC Test Match Special

If you look at the cricket that's been played here by Nottingham, the pitch has been pretty good. This pitch looks an absolute beauty.

Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine: "Due to the overhead conditions, hopefully we can utilise the first session and get a little bit out of the ball. We've got one spinner in Sikandar Raza and we're going with four seamers.

"In terms of preparation, usually our preparation is a lot shorter than this. We've really enjoyed spending time in Leicester. Our guys got a lot out of that.

"It's a special occasion today. The guys are really excited to get going and be part of this Test match. The Test in 2003, my brother was involved, and he's watching today. It's a momentous occasion for all of us and it will only sink in later down the line."

Ben Stokes says he would have bowled first too but instead Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett are going to have an early hit.

It's a bit cloudy at Trent Bridge this morning.

That has tempted the tourists into having a bowl first.

You can't blame them.