Rogers returns to the fold

Barney Rogers is just the latest of the former Zimbabwe rebels to have signed contracts with the Zimbabwe Cricket Union and who are set to resume their international careers.

Among those disaffected players who had accused the ZCU of racism in April, the allrounder Gavin Ewing and the wicketkeeper Charles Coventry have re-signed. But senior players like Heath Streak, Grant Flower and Andy Blignaut have stayed away. "Other guys decided that Zimbabwe cricket wasn't what they wanted and some signed contracts for county cricket and with Australian teams," Rogers told BBC Sport, "but I still want to play international cricket."

Rogers, 22, indicated that his decision to return has been welcomed from all quarters. The older players, who have not returned, "fully understand that we're young and we've got 10 or more years to play, so there's been no problems with them whatsoever."

Rogers, who had played seven one-day internationals before the crisis, had been resumed training with Zimbabwe A when the ICC investigation into the ZCU cleared them of the allegations of racism last month. "At one stage it was looking like I'd have to sacrifice my career," he said, "but cricket is my life, it's the only thing I know how to do."

Rogers concluded in his interview with the BBC: "Zimbabweans want to see Zimbabwe win, they're not fussed what colour people playing are. It's a young squad and there's lots and lots of talent. I think it'll take time, but I don't see why we can't pull through."