The English international cricket season kicks-off this summer with an intriguing two test series against Zimbabwe. Sports arm of the Star Netwok, ESPN is all set to telecast the event live and exclusive, starting this Thursday 22 May.

Both, the official cricket country as well as Zimbabwe, have failed to make a mark in the biggest cricket event of the year WCC. With both sides are keen to redeem themselves after disappointing results in the recent past, the game, according to an ESPN release, is bound to be an exciting battle.

Schedule for the seven- one day international(ODI) series between Australia and West Indies Live on ESPN and STAR Sports is as follows:

According to the official release, while Michael Vaughan and Marcus Trescothick are likely to continue their impressive home record, Nasser Hussain is bound to feel the heat as his temperament and skill will be put to test as skipper of the English test team and a top order batsman. Meanwhile, Alec Stewart’s experience and temperament add some solidity to the otherwise seemingly vulnerable English batting order.

As for the other players frome the home front, Darren Gough and Andrew Caddick were touted as English pace attack, the fresh and young blood in the bowling department, James Anderson -find of the season during the Ashes series and the World Cup- might give the team the required just push. With his lively pace and late out-swingers he is expected to give the Zimbabwe batsmen run for their money.

Other team in picture, Zimbabwe on the other hand has a fresh appeal and some raw talented on their side. With Heath Streak being the experienced leader and his deputy Tatenda Taibu showing improvement in the last six months the team, home team will have a tough competition to face.

Grant Flower and Struart Carlisle, other members, will shoulder the batting responsibility while the left arm spinner Ray Price and swing bowler Doudie Hondo are somebody to watch out for, says the release.