Sport

Zimbabwe tour now a 'certainty'

England captain: Michael Vaughan
Wayne Veysey|David Lloyd|Evening Standard
14 April 2012

England's cricket bosses today revealed that they are now "certain" to tour Zimbabwe in November.

Having earlier this year all but decided to cancel the autumn trip, the England and Wales Cricket Board have performed a spectacular U-turn amid fears of a worldwide suspension and ruinous financial penalties.

Speaking on Radio 4 today, ECB chairman David Morgan said: "I think it's fairly certain England will have to honour the commitment so long as it's safe and secure for the tour to go ahead. And provided the Government does not direct us otherwise.

"Australia are due to go in a matter of weeks and they have assessed the safety and security situation in the normal way for cricket tours. They sent a delegation to Zimbabwe and we intend to do the same thing."

Although the ECB are likely to delay their decision on the tour until June, Morgan claimed their hands were tied unless Foreign Secretary Jack Straw directly instructed them not to play the series when they meet on 4 May.

Morgan said: "It appears that the Government won't give us that instruction. They have invited us to a meeting in the early part of next month and one couldn't be certain of their position until then."

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Zimbabwe Cricket Union chiefs later held a one and a half hour meeting with the ECB at Lord's.

Afterwards ZCU chairman Peter Chingoka said: "I am hoping that in two weeks' time England will come up with a decision to tour.

"It was a useful opportunity to state our case. International cricket relies heavily on the goodwill between boards in maintaining the integrity of the International Cricket Council future tours programme.

"Zimbabwe showed that faith by visiting the UK last summer and we are confident that England will reciprocate by confirming its tour.

"We look forward to an early and positive decision."

By the time the ECB make their decision, Australia and Sri Lanka will have toured Zimbabwe and the situation may have changed again. By then, Zimbabwe's ongoing player row may have dragged international cricket to a new low.

A rebellion by 15 white players, who are demanding a 'fairer' selection system and the reinstatement of axed captain Heath Streak, today left Sri Lanka facing a heavily weakened team.

But, to everyone's surprise, Zimbabwe's new-look team, including 10 black or mixed-race players, put in a solid performance against the 1996 World Cup winners.

Tatenda Taibu, who at 20 today became the youngest international captain, got his reign off to a fantastic start by compiling 96 not out, his highest international score, as his side made a respectable 211 for six off their 50 overs. Rain then intervened and Sri Lanka were 47 for three off nine overs chasing a target of 173 from 33 overs.

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