Zimbabwe Cricket is preparing itself for a return to international test play this year though its self-banishment dating to early 2006 may not end until late 2011, sources said.
Zimbabwe Cricket pulled out test cricket in January 2006 with the encouragement of the International Cricket Council because its play had fallen below test standards.
The Zimbabwe side has been overhauling itself for the past several years, hiring former players and administrators and launching local franchises to deepen its talent base.
The next challenge for Zimbabwe will be the Cricket World Cup in India next month.
Among the professionals drafted by Zimbabwe Cricket are West Indian international cricket player Brian Lara who topped the Test batting rankings on several occasions. He will help the team prepare itself for the World Cup in camp in in Dubai next month.
Cricket analyst Dean Du Plessis told VOA Studio 7 reporter Marvellous Mhlanga-Nyahuye that despite reports Zimbabwe will return to test play in May of this year the team probably won’t be ready to take that big step until the end of 2011.