Zimbabwe Test return not until end of 2007

Zimbabwe are unlikely to return to the Test arena until November 2007 according to an informed source.

The Zimbabwe board were allowed to withdraw from Test cricket at their own request in January after months of internal infighting had left them severely weakened. At the time their absence was only meant to be for a year, but in recent weeks several members of the board have hinted that a January return would be too soon, even though there have been signs that the side is beginning to improve.

The Future Tours Programme means that were Zimbabwe to return before late 2007 they would face potentially morale-destroying home series against Australia and then South Africa.

However, by delaying their comeback until the end of the year, their first series will be at home to West Indies, now one of international cricket's weakest sides.