Zimbabwe prepare to take on New Zealand

THE Zimbabwe cricket side will be hoping for a change of fortune when they entertain bogey side, New Zealand, in a Test and limited overs series in the next few weeks.

The Zimbabweans have not beaten the Kiwis, with most of the encounters ending in draws or victories for New Zealand.

The last time New Zealand toured Zimbabwe, a few years back, the series ended in a draw, with Zimbabwe comprehensively outplayed in the Test and one day series in the reciprocal tour.

There is no doubt that the Kiwis will be coming all flat out to redeem lost pride following their dismal performances in the triangular series also involving eventual winners, South Africa and Pakistan.

On the other hand, Zimbabwe's new captain, Heath Streak, will be hoping for a winning debut to impress those who have questioned his ability to captain the side.

Streak, who took over from Andy Flower in controversial circumstances that have left both cricket followers and players alike puzzled, will shoulder the responsibility of leading a side without two of its best players.

Not satisfied with what he described as uncompetitive wages, Neil Johnson has left for South Africa. The departure of Zimbabwe's 1999 World Cup star will be sadly missed as he is not only one of the best batsman this country has had, but a reliable medium pacer.

The Zimbabwe Cricket Union president, Peter Chingoka, confirmed Johnson's departure, but added that his departure was going to create an opportunity for other youngsters who had lived in his shadow.

News filtering through indicates that Murray Goodwin, who had also threatened to leave for Australia, is currently negotiating with the cricket bosses with the intention of keeping him in the country.

If he agrees to stay, this will all least be good news for both the selectors and cricket enthusiasts. Johnson and Goodwin both played blinders at the 1999 World Cup in England and contributed greatly towards Zimbabwe's cruise to the Super Six Stage.

Whatever happens, however, Zimbabwe should still have the arsenal to carry the day as former skipper Alistair Campbell has regained his form of old.

Henry Olonga will also be there to take as many wickets as he can, and Flower will still be there to maintain the form that has made him one of the best in the world.

One would also hope that the Zimbabweans will be able to carry the form that saw them make the NatWest triangular series final against the hosts, England.

The tour does come at a time when the Kiwis have climbed up the official and unofficial standings in both the Test and one-day cricket rankings and their confidence is high. The first Test starts on 12 September at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, followed by the second Test from 19 September, at Harare Sports Club. The tour will culminate in three one-day internationals, starting on 27 September. The tourists are currently playing in a three day tour match against the President's XI in Mutare, which ends today.