Streak named vice-captain against New Zealand

Heath Streak has been named the vice-captain of the 14-man squad for the first Test against New Zealand at Harare on August 7. Streak, who returns to the squad after a county stint with Warwickshire, will provide strength in both batting and bowling against New Zealand. Tatenda Taibu will lead a squad consisting of Streak and former dissidents in Stuart Carlisle, Craig Wishart and Andy Blignaut.

Zimbabwe will field their strongest batting line-up in almost two years with Wishart, Carlisle, Dion Ebrahim and Streak and Brendan Taylor, Hamilton Masakadza and Taibu. This would provide respite to a side whose performances have often been plucky in one-dayers, but terrible in Tests.

Streak made his peace with the Zimbabwe Cricket board following his walkout a year ago with 14 other contracted white players after they alleged racism in the selection process. "I'm delighted to be home, playing against a fine Test side like New Zealand, especially being in decent form," said Streak, who was the top wicket-taker in one-day matches during his three-month stay with Warwickshire. "Thankfully I also found everything okay at home, though the drought is bad."

Zimbabwe Tatenda Taibu (capt, wk), Heath Streak, Andy Blignaut, Stuart Carlisle, Graeme Cremer, Keith Dabengwa, Dion Ebrahim, Neil Ferreira, Anthony Ireland, Blessing Mahwire, Hamilton Masakadza, Chris Mpofu, Brendan Taylor, Craig Wishart.