Heath Streak named Zimbabwean captain

Twenty-six year-old opening bowler Heath Streak has been named as Zimbabwe's captain for their two-Test series at home to New Zealand in September.

A brief press release from the Zimbabwe Cricket Union today announced that Streak, formerly vice-captain of the national team, will be captain for the series, with the new vice-captain yet to be announced.

Flower, who had previously led Zimbabwe between 1993 and 1996, was believed to be a reluctant appointment when named to replace Alistair Campbell late last year.

A report in today's "The Times" (UK) claims that Flower was stripped of the captaincy because of his role in the pay dispute between the players and the Zimbabwe Cricket Union during the recent tour of England.

However, the ZCU has made no comment about the reason for Streak's appointment or Flower's removal.

Also announced by the ZCU today was its new national selection panel. Chaired by former Zimbabwe international Iain Butchart, the panel also includes Maqbul Dudhia, David Lake, Ali Shah and Denis Streak (the father of the incoming Test captain).

Zimbabwe's Test series against New Zealand commences on September 12.