Heath Streak to lead Zimbabwe on Indian tour

The Zimbabwe Cricket Union today announced its squad for the forthcoming tour of India. As expected, speedster Heath Streak was retained as captain. Middle order bat Guy Whittall, who has tasted tremendous success in the recent past, has been named as his deputy. Zimbabwe are scheduled to arrive in India on November 5 to play a series that includes two three day games, two Tests and five One- Dayers.

The fifteen member touring party boasts many inform batsmen including Alistair Campbell and Andrew Flower. Stuart Carlisle who took a conventional, if sometimes slow approach to batting in the recently concluded series against New Zealand will get a chance to prove himself in the longer version of the game. While Andrew will don the gloves, the other Flower brother Grant will roll his arm over bowling his left arm spinners.

Gavin Rennie, Trevor Madondo and Douglas Marillier will be honing their batting skills on subcontinental wickets while young Brian Murphy gets a chance to peddle his wares on a full length tour. The bowling department too looks reasonably well endowed. Apart from skipper Streak, Zimbabwe come to India with five mediumpacers - Travis Friend, who was impressive in the few One-Dayers he played, Mluleki Nkala, the quick if wayward Henry Olonga, Gavin Rennie and Bryan Strang.

Paul Strang, Brian Murphy and Grant Flower are the frontline spinners, although Gavin Rennie too can bowl spin if required.

Former Australian fast bowler Carl Rackemann is the coach of the side.

The team: Heath Streak (Captain), Guy Whittall (vice-captain), Alistair Campbell, Stuart Carlisle, Andrew Flower, Grant Flower, Travis Friend, Trevor Madondo, Douglas Marillier, Brian Murphy, Mluleki Nkala, Henry Olonga, Gavin Rennie, Bryan Strang, Paul Strang Officials: Babu Meman (Manager), Carl Rackemann (Coach), Amato Machikicho (Physiotherapist), Malcolm Jarvis (Fitness Trainer/ Computer Analyst).