Taibu laments England pull-outs

Tatenda Taibu: 'We would have loved for all of their players to come' © Getty Images

Tatenda Taibu has spoken of his disappointment that England will be missing several big-name players during next month's one-day series.

"We would have loved for all of their players to come," Taibu told reporters. "We want to play against the best.I think politics and sports should be separated." Steve Harmison pulled out of the tour on moral grounds, while Andrew Flintoff and Marcus Trescothick took advantage of an offer made by the selectors to rest.

Flintoff, however, admitted that he would not have gone if he had been picked. "Whoever has replaced Harmison would obviously be good enough to represent his country," Taibu continued. "But it is disappointing not to face Harmison who has been doing so well."

Taibu's team-mates might not share his desire to face the best just now. They return home from the Paktel Cup in Pakistan without a win in four games, and have lost all 13 ODIs since the dispute with the rebel players started in April.