Zimbabwe seek return to Test cricket in 2011 against Bangladesh

Zimbabwe have taken the first tentative steps towards a return to reclaiming their status as a Test cricket nation. Peter Chingoka, the Zimbabwe Cricket chairman, says a return to fully-fledged Test status could be possible in 2011 following recent discussions with the ICC president David Morgan and the chief executive Haroon Lorgat. Zimbabwe last played a Test in 2005 when political upheaval in the Robert Mugabe-led country ravaged the sport and left them unable to field a competitive team. Chingoka now feels that Zimbabwe is ready to return to the Test arena following developments such as installing a new high-performance coaching centre and a revamped domestic structure, which includes a franchise-based Twenty20 tournament. Zimbabwe's on-field fortunes have been improving too, with the country making an unexpected appearance in the Tri-Series final they hosted this month. South Africa have offered to host a one-off Test between the teams each year, said Chingoka. "We are indebted to Cricket South Africa for their continuous support," he said. "We are developing a strong and competitive domestic competition as a result of the ICC task team's recommendations and we are now looking to make a gradual return to Test cricket sometime after the World Cup in 2011. "We will be responsible and engage in competitive Test matches where the results will enhance the integrity of the game as a whole. We will look to engage in the early stage of our return with countries like Bangladesh at home in Harare." A home series against Bangladesh in May 2011 has been earmarked for Zimbabwe's return. "We will then have gradual progression afterwards by playing sides we think we can compete with, like West Indies and New Zealand," Chingoka said. "We hope that the return to Test cricket will continue the growth and development of people playing cricket in Zimbabwe as we aim to make cricket the number one sport in Zimbabwe within the next five years."