Zimbabwe to use second-stringers for Pakistan tour

Zimbabwe are to use their second-string players for the Pakistan National Academy's tour of the country later this month, though it seems that the decision was more by default than design.

Zimbabwe have already lost Gary Brent, their most experienced bowler, who resigned earlier in the year, while Brendan Taylor has yet to iron out his differences with the board. Allrounder, Elton Chigumbura, along with Blessing Mahwire and Ed Rainsford, are playing league cricket in the UK at the moment. Brent also left for the UK after tending his resignation.

Zimbabwe are currently struggling to find any meaningful opposition to play and were expected to jump at the opportunity to field their strongest team against the Pakistan Academy, as the young tourists might be the only international opposition they will meet in the coming months.

Insufficient competitive matches will further delay Zimbabwe's return to the Test arena, as first-class matches against decent opposition will be used to assess their readiness for a comeback.

Zimbabwe will host the Academy for two four-day and three one-day matches.