Australia's tour of Zim to go ahead

Australia's two-Test tour to Zimbabwe next month will go ahead despite players' concerns about political tensions in the African country, the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) said on Saturday.

"We've still got a month to go before we get there, so circumstances might change but I don't think so at the moment," ACB public affairs general manager Brendan McClements said.

"We're committed to going and looking forward to the two Tests and three one-dayers.

"Obviously there are some concerns about Zimbabwe at the moment but as I said we have a well-developed (system of gathering information).

"As it stands at the moment, we have no reason to change. We are keeping the players informed," McClements told Australian Broadcasting Corporation Radio.

Australia are currently touring South Africa for three Tests and seven limited overs internationals before arriving in Harare on April 10.

Australia Test captain Steve Waugh said last week the players were watching the situation with interest.

"I would be lying if I said I wasn't concerned. But at this stage it's still on and we'll be advised about what's happening leading up to the tour."

Mail Cricket Editor