Josh De Caires to Captain PCC Select XI vs Zimbabwe – Full Squad & Match Details

Josh De Caires to Lead PCC Select XI in Four-Day Match Against Zimbabwe

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that Josh De Caires will captain a Professional County Club (PCC) Select XI in a four-day fixture against Zimbabwe Men, beginning on Thursday, 15 May 2025, at the Uptonsteel County Ground in Leicester. The match is part of Zimbabwe’s preparation tour ahead of their upcoming international red-ball fixtures and serves as a critical opportunity for emerging domestic English talent to test themselves against seasoned international opposition.

The announcement reflects a clear strategic intent from the ECB to give promising county cricketers a platform to gain valuable experience while also providing competitive match practice for the visiting Zimbabwean side.

Josh De Caires: Leading the Future of English Red-Ball Cricket

At 23, Josh De Caires continues to carve out a reputation as one of England's most promising young red-ball players. Having played 21 first-class matches for Middlesex, De Caires is a dependable top-order batter and an evolving off-spinner. He is also the son of former England captain Michael Atherton, and while the legacy might add pressure, Josh has been quietly and consistently making a name for himself through solid domestic performances.

His leadership of the PCC Select XI marks another significant step in his development and highlights his growing status in English cricket. With an average approaching 30 in first-class cricket and several gritty innings to his name, De Caires has earned the respect of selectors and teammates alike. The opportunity to captain a side featuring England hopefuls and U19 captains underlines the trust invested in his leadership.

A Balanced and Talented PCC Select XI Squad

The PCC Select XI comprises a well-balanced mix of youth and emerging talent from across the English county circuit. Players like Dan Mousley and Jafer Chohan bring recent international exposure to the squad. Mousley, who impressed during England’s white-ball tour of the Caribbean in late 2024, offers an all-round package with aggressive middle-order batting and useful off-spin.

Chohan, the Yorkshire leg-spinner, was also part of that Caribbean tour. He has been one of the brightest spin prospects in the domestic scene, known for his sharp turn and deceptive flight, which makes him a potentially pivotal figure in the game against Zimbabwe’s experienced middle order.

Meanwhile, players such as Luc Benkenstein (Essex) and Thomas Rew (Somerset) bring leadership experience from the England U19 setup, while Eddie Jack, Seb Morgan, Archie Bailey, and Jamal Richards are making waves through impressive county second XI and age-group performances.

This group is not just a random assembly of talented names; it represents a strategic pipeline of England’s next generation of red-ball cricketers being put to the test.

High-Calibre Coaching Panel to Guide Emerging Talent

A standout feature of this tour fixture is the elite coaching team assembled to guide the PCC Select XI. Former England allrounder Andrew Flintoff will head the coaching staff, bringing both charisma and invaluable experience to the dressing room. Flintoff’s coaching journey post-retirement has been widely praised for his commitment to mentoring young players and emphasizing the mental toughness required for the longer format.

Supporting him are established names like Mike Yardy, Neil Killeen, Sarah Taylor, Mark Wood, and Neil McKenzie each bringing their own flair, experience, and tactical insight. Taylor’s presence continues her trailblazing influence on English cricket, as one of the most respected minds in wicketkeeping and fielding. McKenzie and Wood, both highly respected in their disciplines, ensure that players benefit from well-rounded technical coaching ahead of a tough red-ball contest.

Zimbabwe Tour Match: A Crucial Warm-Up and Talent Showcase

For Zimbabwe Men, this match offers crucial red-ball practice after a period largely dominated by white-ball commitments. With series against Ireland and Afghanistan scheduled later this summer, the team will be eager to find form and test their batting depth and bowling resilience in English conditions.

From the PCC Select XI’s perspective, facing an international side under match intensity provides an ideal stage to evaluate where their skills stand against seasoned professionals. These games are often career-defining for young players where a gritty half-century or a five-wicket haul can catapult them into national reckoning or future Lions selection.

The fixture also reinforces the ECB’s commitment to nurturing red-ball excellence, at a time when T20 leagues often dominate headlines. By pairing young domestic players with world-class mentors and international opponents, this match strikes a crucial balance between development and competition.

An Eye on the Future: Red-Ball Pathway in Focus

As England continues to deepen its red-ball talent pool, matches like these are essential. With an eye on future Test squad selections, particularly for tours in 2026 and beyond, the PCC Select XI vs Zimbabwe fixture could play a quiet yet influential role. For many of these players, it is more than just a warm-up it’s an audition for national honours.

For De Caires, Mousley, Chohan, and Rew, their performances will be watched closely by national selectors. And for England fans, this game offers a glimpse into the players who may soon don the whites for the senior team.