adminbeginning with a one-off match against Bangladesh at Harare Sports Club next week.
Chairman of selectors Alistair Campbell yesterday said the team has the qualities but would need more exposure to get into the groove.
Zimbabwe will play their first Test since 2005 when they host Bangladesh from August 4-8 and then engage in five one-day internationals afterwards. Bangladesh are expected to arrive tonight with a strong squad of 15 players.
“We are very ready for it because we have our experienced players like Tatenda Taibu, Vusi Sibanda, Hamilton Masakadza, Brendan Taylor and Elton Chigumbura all showing signs of good form.
“These are the people who should carry us through and again we have seen younger players like Brian Vitori doing well. I’m sure this young man has a lot to offer and we will consider him for Test cricket in teh future,” said Campbell.
“But there are few things that need to be ironed out to be able to play competitively at Test level. We have some of our players like Craig Ervine who has been short on runs and this is a cause for concern.
“Tino Mawoyo has also showed great promise facing some of the quality bowlers from Australia.
“Probably Craig and Tino would need to get more time in the middle of the crease in the warm up game against Bangladesh at the weekend,” he added.
Zimbabwe had a good run in their final preparation against Australia A in two four-day games. They also played a triangular series, which involved South Africa A earlier this month.
The touring teams had sent strong sides, which provided the locals with competition ahead of their scheduled return to Test cricket.
Despite falling short against the South Africa and Australia A sides, Campbell believes the competition was good for the home side.
He said Zimbabwe are geared up for the task against Bangladesh but stressed that they would need to improve their mental strength to last longer at the crease.
“Our preparation has been very good because we faced some quality opposition while Bangladesh have been playing against themselves in a training camp,” he said.
“Obviously there will be nerves flying around on our side because everyone will be watching how we are going to perform. But the players realise the expectations and they would need to give a good account of themselves. Of course, there is going to be pressure on the boys as they may push too hard to impress. But in any professional sport you need to apply the mental strength and be able to play under pressure.
“In our case we have to improve on that part. I believe the more we play at the highest level the more we will be able to improve.
“We are really excited that we have more commitments coming up in the next two to three months. Facing opposition that includes players like Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus should help raise our confidence,” said Campbell.
Bangladesh are expected to arrive tonight and will start the campaign with a three-day warm-up match against Zimbabwe XI beginning on Saturday and the hosts will announce their Test squad afterwards.
Bangladesh will use the tour to resume Test cricket following a 14-month break from the longer version of the game.
The first three one-day internationals will be hosted at Harare on August 12, 14 and 16 and the last two on August 19 and 21 will be played in Bulawayo.
Bangladesh played eight Tests against Zimbabwe and their first Test victory came against the African nation in January 2005 in Chittagong. The Tigers, though, lost four of those eight matches.
But the Tigers have had a good record against Zimbabwe in recent times which has given them the upper hand in their limited-over head-to-head record, with 28 wins from 51 matches they have so far played against them.
Bangladesh Squad
Shakib Al Hasan (captain), Tamim Iqbal (vice-captain), Imrul Kayes, Junaed Siddiqui, Mohammad Ashraful, Mushfiqur Rahim (wicket-keeper), Mahmudullah, Abdur Razzak, Shafiul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Nazmul Hossain, Shahriar Nafees, Robiul Islam, Shuvogata Hom Chowdhury and Nasir Hossain.
Online Reporter