Zimbabwe have high expectations of India tour

A 15-man Zimbabwe cricket squad travels to India on Saturday with high expectations of an honourable outcome from two Tests and success in the series of five one-day internationals.

India were shocked by their defeat in Harare two years ago in a one-off Test, so there is psychological benefit still deriving from that, especially as Zimbabwe's bowlers quickly disposed of Sachin Tendulkar and skipper Azharrudin in both of India's innings.

Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak said from his hunting ranch in south Zimbabwe before leaving for India that a different atmosphere in front of the expected large and boisterous crowds and on different pitches nevertheless "make it a whole new scenario."

He has high hopes of his side doing especially well in the one-day matches.

Zimbabwe have recently beaten New Zealand twice and have a long record of causing upsets in this form of the game.

"But the Test matches will be a different story," he said. "We will need our established senior batsmen to perform because there's a lot of inexperience in our squad.

"Nevertheless we also look to newcomer Douglas Marillier adding his talent to the strengths of batsmen like Andy Flower, Guy Whittall and the recently returned to form Alistair Campbell."

Streak well knows that spin bowling is a critical factor on Indian pitches. But he believes left-hander Brian Murphy and leg spinner Paul Strang, who has considerable world-wide experience, should handle their responsibilities capably.

They will need to, because India'a batsmen are all exponents of dealing with spinners.

Streak said: "We may not be all that highly rated but we have a strong and well balanced side with the potential to upset anybody. If the senior players give us backbone, we can emerge with heads high."

All the touring party reported fit Friday, including the injury-prone seamer Henry Olonga, which is particularly pleasing for Streak personally because at last he can partner a fellow strike bowler producing good pace.

Olonga can be erratic, but he has a reputation as a shock wicket-taker.

India are scheduled to make a return visit to Zimbabwe next June.

The Zimbabwe squad: Heath Streak (capt), Guy Whittall (vice-capt), Alistair Campbell, Stuart Carlisle, Andrew flower, Grant flower, Travis Friend, Trevor Madondo, Douglas Marillier, Brian Murphy, Mluleki Nkala, Henry olonga, Gavin Rennir, Bryan Strang, Paul Strang. Manager: Babu Meman.

Mail Cricket Editor