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Zim will be ready for Test cricket next year — Streak

Sports Reporter

FORMER Zimbabwe international cricketer Heath Streak believes Zimbabwe will be ready for Test cricket next year.
Streak is the national team bowling coach.
In a wide ranging interview with Chronicle Sport yesterday, the former national team skipper said the Zimbabwean players have improved following their displays in the Micromax Cup triangular One-Day cricket series that was played in Bulawayo and Harare at the beginning of the month.
“The guys have improved a lot in terms of their play and confidence after beating some of the big teams. Those recent victories have given them some belief that they can compete at the highest levels. However, with regards to Test cricket return, there is still a lot that needs to be done and to be realistic we can make a return sometime next year,” said Streak.
The national team has been working on making a return to Test cricket and Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Ozias Bvute said the country was on the right direction for a return to the longer version of the game recently.
Streak and former Zimbabwe cricket star Dave Houghton have been named as Matabeleland Tuskers coaches for the new season.
Houghton is the head coach and Streak will assist him as the bowling coach.
The season will start on 6 September with Matabeleland Tuskers playing host to Mid West Rhinos at Queens Sport Club.
Streak said the Tuskers players have been working hard and was hopeful that they would start the season on a better note.
“My duties include developing the bowlers. They know they under-performed last season and they are working hard to improve on their shortcomings. Last season, they were inconsistent. There is a lot of work that needs to be done during the off-season so that we create a strong foundation and start the season well,” Streak said.
Houghton is in England and is expected to sign two English players for Tuskers to beef up the squad.
“We have got a good squad made up of experienced players and youngsters who are determined to learn. We are also going to have top quality overseas players in our team who we hope the players will learn a lot from,” said Streak.
Matabeleland Tuskers last year had 20 contracted cricketers. This season, they will sign 13 players plus the foreigners. The junior players will be on an earn-as-you-play contract.

Zimfanatic69 wrote:I am very hapopy at this news.

GO ZIM.

shumbat wrote:6 September looks like the start of the domestic season, Mat Tuskers looks organised, coaching team in place and scouting for players. Should import 90mph fast bowlers so as to give our batsmen a real taste of the real thing. Can't wait for the new season, bet its even better than the last.

sloandog wrote:

shumbat wrote:6 September looks like the start of the domestic season, Mat Tuskers looks organised, coaching team in place and scouting for players. Should import 90mph fast bowlers so as to give our batsmen a real taste of the real thing. Can't wait for the new season, bet its even better than the last.

Ya that's a great idea !
Should ask guys like Lasith Malinga or some county fast bowlers to come and give Zimbabwean Cricket a wirl.
Perhaps a Lonwambo Tstobe from South Africa would fit in nicely