Zimbabwe target Test return in 2011

[CrimsonAvenger]

http://www.cricinfo.com/zimbabwe/conten ... 62840.html

Peter Chingoka, the Zimbabwe Cricket chairman, has said Zimbabwe are looking to return to Test cricket in 2011 following a recent meeting with ICC president David Morgan and chief executive Haroon Lorgat.

Zimbabwe have not played a Test since 2005, after political upheaval ravaged the team and left it unable to compete at the highest level. Slowly, as order gradually returned to the country, the cricket team's fortunes improved too, culminating in Zimbabwe's unexpected success in the Tri-Series they hosted this month, where they reached the final.

Chingoka now feels that Zimbabwe is almost ready to return to the Test game thanks to the series of steps the board has taken, like installing a new high-performance coaching centre and a revamped domestic structure, which includes a franchise-based Twenty20 tournament.

"We are developing a strong and competitive domestic competition as a result of the ICC task team's recommendations and we are now looking to make a gradual return to Test cricket sometime after the World Cup in 2011," said Chingoka.

"We will be responsible and engage in competitive Test matches where the results will enhance the integrity of the game as a whole. We will look to engage in the early stage of our return with countries like Bangladesh at home in Harare."

Both the domestic tournaments and the recently-completed Tri-Series were well attended by local supporters and Chingoka hopes cricket can establish itself as the most popular sport in the country. "We hope that the return to Test cricket will continue the growth and development of people playing cricket in Zimbabwe as we aim to make cricket the number one sport in Zimbabwe within the next five years."

Morgan was delighted to see the progress being made and praised the Zimbabwe set-up for including former players, like national selector Alastair Campbell, in the management of the side. "I take great pleasure in the number of smiling faces around Zimbabwe Cricket. It is very comforting for the ICC to observe the improvement and success of the Zimbabwe team in recent months.

"It is also very good from an ICC perspective to see former players returning to the squad and also taking up support roles around the team. The recent results have been a good story for the Zimbabwe cricket team and the ICC is pleased to have played a part in that progress."

[shumbat]

I think ZC are serious now, the timing is right after the world cup, we can then concentrate in Test cricket. Got a feeling we will have some good players returning for the World cup, so we should be strong enough. I reckon you can't guage yourself till you start playing with the big guys. Go Zim Go.

[maehara]

We will look to engage in the early stage of our return with countries like Bangladesh at home in Harare.

Very sensible approach. Although: another series against Bangladesh!?

[sloandog]

We will look to engage in the early stage of our return with countries like Bangladesh at home in Harare.

Very sensible approach. Although: another series against Bangladesh!?

Better than playing South Africa or Australia mate

[eugene]

I was hoping for a home series against the West Indies. I think they, along with Bangladesh are who we have the best chance of winning against.

[shumbat]

Zim to play at home against Bangladesh next May, good start for us, remove Tamim Iqbal early we win, still fancy WI in Zim as well, remove Chris Gayle early we win. Go Zim Go.

[sloandog]

But will we have a pace battery to match the best teams by then ??
A lot rests on Jarvis and Chitara to solve or pace probolems for the future, probably too much

[Boundary]

I really don't fancy another Bangladesh series albeit a Test. For one, it's getting tedious (it must feel like this to be Indian being told of another Sri Lankan or Pakistani match-up). Secondly, although it sounds negative, can you imagine the consequences if we fail miserably against Bangladesh (not least being unable to get more Test fixtures)? Personally I would really like NZ, they owe us a tour.

We're being sensible and I like that. Now Streak knows he's got 12 months to get his bowlers in shape.

[maehara]

Personally I would really like NZ, they owe us a tour.

They do, but can you really see it happening any time soon?

And we'll get an earful when we lose, no matter who it's against. I'm as tired of seeing Bangladesh as everyone else, but facing them makes sense in this setting.

[Dr_Situ(ZimFanatic)]

Personally I would really like NZ, they owe us a tour.

They do, but can you really see it happening any time soon?

And we'll get an earful when we lose, no matter who it's against. I'm as tired of seeing Bangladesh as everyone else, but facing them makes sense in this setting.

Kidnap Crowe