Marsh expresses disappointment over decision

Geoff Marsh, Zimbabwe's coach, has expressed disappointment over the International Cricket Council's decision to keep Zimbabwe out of Test cricket until 2005. The decision came after the ICC held a meeting in Dubai, where the Zimbabwe Cricket Union agreed to play this year's remaining Tests next year.

AFP reported that the agreement was made so that Zimbabwe had adequate time to rebuild its cricket team, which was left seriously weak after 15 rebel players were sacked for backing Heath Streak, who was fired for demanding changes within the cricket board.

But the decision did not impress Marsh. "It's disappointing to get to a situation like that," he said. "I understand the reasons why the ZCU has agreed to it and it's probably in the best interests of everyone involved, but the best way to improve the standard is to keep playing at that level."

While Marsh struck an optimistic tone about Zimbabwe's improvement, the ICC had earlier said that the integrity of Test cricket was at stake after Zimbabwe were soundly beaten at home by Sri Lanka, and the international cricket body then proceeded to postpone - in effect, cancel - Australia's Test series against the weakened team. Sri Lanka inflicted the two of the heaviest ever defeats in Tests on Zimbabwe, which, when pointed out, brought a curious comment from the ZCU chairman, Peter Chingoka: "Well, that's fine - so you do have a record of 10 others that are worse or 12 others that are worse."

Streak, who had called for Zimbabwe's suspension from the ICC, said that the decision would give the board time to reassess the direction it was headed in, and said, "Perhaps the ZCU realise they cannot treat us with disrespect and maybe they realise they need some of the white cricketers they said they could do without after all."

But Marsh, whose coaching contract ends in September, said that Zimbabwe would take a "couple of years" to perform adequately in Test cricket, because "you don't replace 30 players overnight".

Meanwhile, the agreement gave the English Cricket Board cause for cheer, as they were under pressure to abandon their October tour to Zimbabwe. They were scheduled to play two Tests in Zimbabwe, but the postponement has let them off the hook, albeit temporarily.