Zimbabwe may play Flower as batsman only

Andy Flower could be relieved of wicketkeeping duties after Zimbabwe added several specialists to their 16-man squad for Friday's second Test against South Africa.

The left-hander is still struggling with a thumb injury which saw him miss Tests against India and the West Indies earlier in the year. He also sustained a slight groin strain during the first Test in Harare.

Flower scored more than half of Zimbabwe's runs in the first Test with innings of 142 and 199 not out. His exploits have lifted him into second place in the Test batting averages for current players on 55.2, just behind Sachin Tendulkar (57.2).

If selected as a batsman only Flower will be replaced by Tatenda Taibu behind the stumps.

All 11 players from the first Test have been included in the squad, plus batsmen Stuart Carlisle and Gavin Rennie, paceman Henry Olonga, leg spinner Paul Strang and Taibu.

Rennie will challenge opening batsman Alistair Campbell, who scored 0 and seven in Harare, while Carlisle could replace Craig Wishart who managed scores of only 0 and six.

Although Olonga is struggling for form, Zimbabwe may be forced to select him after their attack allowed South Africa to score 600 for three in the first innings.

Strang could win a place as a second spinner alongside left-armer Ray Price since the Bulawayo pitch traditionally favours spinners.

Zimbabwe will look to level the two match series after going down by nine wickets in Harare.

Zimbabwe squad:

Heath Streak (captain), Alistair Campbell, Stuart Carlisle, Dion Ebrahim, Andy Flower, Grant Flower, Travis Friend, Doug Hondo, Hamilton Masakadza, Henry Olonga, Ray Price, Gavin Rennie, Paul Strang, Tatenda Taibu, Craig Wishart, Guy Whittall.

Mail Cricket Editor