Zimbabwe tour to australia july/august

[maehara]

I think the talk of Zimbabwe playing 2 Tests against Australia stems from journalists looking at the ICC future tours programme without questioning its accuracy (see http://static.espncricinfo.com/db/FORTH ... /2011.html).

I suspect you're right about the Test issue, but what has caught my attention is the line in Mike Hussey's article (the PerthNow link) stating that Australia would be in Zimbabwe in May / June.

That's new. The FTP fixture was for Zimbabwe to visit Australia, and if you remember that was changed from 'cancelled' to an A-side tour after Coltart's intervention with CA (linky). There's been no mention until now of Australia visiting Zimbabwe, or fixtures between the senior sides - but I can't see Hussey misinterpreting the FTP, he's close enough to the Aus side to know what their touring plans are, even if they haven't been made fully public yet..

Aus visiting Zim makes a certain amount of sense. Under ICC rules, the home side pays the costs of the tour - Zim visiting Australia isn't financially viable for CA because there's not enough interest there in seeing Zim play, but the other way around is potentially a money-spinner for ZC. It's a curious situation.

[sloandog]

It's a curious situation.

And an exciting one at that !

[clikcspeed]

I'm a bit concerned about Australia coming to Zimbabwe, for a lot of reasons. We should be playing lower ranked sides or 'volatile' sides NZ, WI, BAN and PAK to build Test confidence. Nevertheless, Taylor will destroy Australia! Pitches should be made extremely slow with lots of turn, if we can pull of a draw or two, or wins it would be very positive indeed

From an Australian perspective you get the sense that Ricky Ponting is getting the axe, Tests against ZIM and BAN would be for Clarke to get some experience as Test captain before the SA series.

[Boundary]

To me it makes sense for both sides - Australia needs a confidence boost by whipping Bangladesh and Zimbabwe; but from a Zim perspective Australia is "weak" (I know, I know) and we can potentially capitalise. No announcement will be made until it's official but the rumblings are swaying me to believe it might happen.

[morgieb]

I still can't see you beating us.

Also, Australia aren't playing tests against Bangladesh in April, perhaps due to IPL clashes.

[brockley]

Bangladesh tour is on one dayers.
Their is no doubt australia A will beat zimbabwe A,but could play some promising youngsters all the same.

[sloandog]

Bangladesh tour is on one dayers.
Their is no doubt australia A will beat zimbabwe A,but could play some promising youngsters all the same.

Ya I agree.
Get the likes of young Nathan Waller, Jarvis and Chitara in there

[brockley]

Watch out for chris lynn of australia.