ESPN Cricinfo
17 June 2010
Australia could host a team from Zimbabwe, for the first time in over seven years, following a meeting between Cricket Australia and the Zimbabwe sports minister, David Coltart. If the tour, tentatively set for mid-2011 takes off, it could be the first step towards a reciprocal arrangement of A tours between the two countries.
“There is a spot in 2011, but the trouble is that slot was for two Tests in Australia and even though Zimbabwe wants to re-commence playing Test cricket next year, there’s a recognition that to throw this young team into the Test arena against Australia at this stage would be counter-productive,” Coltart told AAP.
“We’ve discussed other means of utilising that slot but with more appropriate opposition. It’s very much tentative at this stage. (An A series) is what the discussions are centering on, the exchange of A teams rather than at Test level.”
Coltart hopes to firm up the plan during his meeting with Australia’s foreign minister Stephen Smith on Thursday.
Australia have shunned bilateral cricketing ties with Zimbabwe since 2003, following the political turmoil in the African nation. There has been a thrust towards resumption of contact in recent times, with the Department of Foreign Affairs saying there will be no diplomatic opposition to the resumption of formal cricket contact.
“I’ve had a number of very constructive meetings with the Australian ambassador to Zimbabwe, John Courtney, and he’s certainly been very sympathetic to my arguments and I know his view reflects Canberra’s view, so I don’t anticipate difficult meetings tomorrow,” Coltart said.
Cricket in Zimbabwe has undergone a facelift in recent months, with an improvement in the basic facilities and domestic structure. That has translated itself into better performances in the field, with recent victories against India and West Indies. Resumption of ties with Australia could be a major shot in the arm as they look to return to the Test fold in 2011.