Zimbabwe are preparing to build on their impressive win against Australia in the ICC World Twenty20 last month. Their next assignment is a five-match series against Sri Lanka A.
The visiting Sri Lankans have warned that they would not be taking the matches lightly and have promised to field their best possible side for the two four-day and three one-day matches.
Former international Robin Brown, who took over as coach from Kevin Curran in August, said Zimbabwe's preparations were in full swing. "The boys are working very hard in camp ahead of the Sri Lankan tour. At the moment, we are just fine-tuning on the batting and bowling techniques and the level of commitment being shown by the guys is absolutely amazing."
Brown pointed out that his players were very keen for their next challenge. "The team is raring to go and I am extremely confident that the outstanding performance in South Africa at the Twenty20 World Cup will spill over into this next assignment. We still have another week of intensive training before the Sri Lanka A side arrives. By then we will be just about ready.
"The only setback has been the injury of top-order batsman Hamilton Masakadza, who broke a finger and so is out of the series. On the plus side, however, Sean Williams has recovered well and is training with the team."
The first four-day game begins on October 14 in Harare while the second will be played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo from October 20.
Zimbabwe Select squad Prosper Utseya (capt), Gary Brent, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Elton Chigumbura, Keith Dabengwa, Timycen Maruma, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Christopher Mpofu, Tawanda Mupariwa, Vusimuzi Sibanda, Tatenda Taibu, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams.