Zimbabwe make five changes for ODI series

After a 2-0 thrashing at English hands in the Test series, Zimbabwe have made five changes for the triangular one-day series that starts later this month. The most significant absentee is Mark Vermeulen, who was sent home after the second Test because of persistent misconduct.

Mluleki Nkala, Barney Rogers and Vusi Sibanda have also been omitted in favour of one-day specialists. Zimbabwe reached the final of a four-nation tournament in Sharjah in their last one-day outing, and Heath Streak for one reckoned they were better suited to the limited overs format.

"The new guys now have five lead-up games to acclimatise to English conditions," said Streak, "while the rest of the Test squad will be looking to adjust their techniques and approach from the five-day to the limited-overs format." The squad flies to Ireland on Tuesday for a six-day tour, where they will play a pair of 50-over matches in Belfast (on June 13) and Derry (on June 15).

"The arrival of the new players will also give the squad a lift after the disappointments of the Test series," added Streak. "We know we can be competitive in the one-day series and will be working hard over the next couple of weeks to find the right team balance to take on England and South Africa."

The Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) continues to deny that political considerations played any role in the squad selection.

Squad Heath Streak (capt), Tatenda Taibu (wk), Dion Ebrahim, Grant Flower, Sean Ervine, Stuart Carlisle, Travis Friend, Andy Blignaut, Douglas Hondo, Ray Price, Douglas Marillier, Gary Brent, Waddington Mwayenga, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Charles Coventry, Richard Sims.