Streak doubtful for
Wednesday's tie

Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak confirmed on Tuesday that his fitness is still under question as his side aims to recover from a disastrous start to the one-day triangular series also involving India and the West Indies.

Zimbabwe play India on Wednesday after losing both their opening matches in the tournament. Although defeat in their third match would not rule them out of qualifying for the July 7 final, it would leave them relying on other results to go their way.

"I'm still a little bit of an injury doubt," Streak said after taking no part in training. "I have a slight abdominal strain sustained in Sunday's game against India, but hopefully it will be fine for tomorrow morning."

Zimbabwe lost their first triangular match by 27 runs to West Indies in Harare on Saturday, before being hammered by nine wickets at the hands of India the following day.

Streak said Zimbabwe are likely to boost their batting line-up, suggesting that 18-year-old schoolboy wicketkeeper Tatenda Taibu would be promoted up the order. Taibu made a fluent 19 not out against India on Sunday.

"We're looking at playing an extra batsman. Young Tatenda Taibu should come up the order a little bit and hopefully that will stabilise our batting.

"Obviously we've left ourselves with no option other than to really perform in these two matches. We have to win Sunday's game against the West Indies - if we lose that we're out - but tomorrow, if we don't win, we have to stay as close as we can to India to give ourselves a chance of making the final on run-rate."

Streak admitted his temporary resignation of the Zimbabwe captaincy at the weekend had adversely affected some of his players.

Streak took the stand in protest at his non-involvement in the selection process. He has since been offered a vote on the selection committee, along with coach Carl Rackemann.

"I'd like to say that none of this had affected the players," Streak said, "but obviously these things affect some individuals more than others.

"We are all professionals though and, although it wasn't the best timing, hopefully we are past that. We are getting a positive response from our cricket union and now we just want to get on with playing the game."

Mail Cricket Editor