Hondo return boosts Zimbabwe

Douglas Hondo hasn't played for Zimbabwe in two years © AFP

Zimbabwe's pace bowler Douglas Hondo is set to return to the national team when they meet South African A side in the first of three one-day games starting at Bulawayo later this month.

Hondo has been in the cricketing wilderness for the past two years suffering with stress fractures in his lower back. Should he come through the A series unscathed his first ODI for two years is set to be against Bangladesh, who were his last opposition back in January 2005. Following the three South Africa matches, Bangladesh arrive for a series of four ODI's to be played at Harare starting on February 4.

Ironically 'Hondo' translated into English from the Zimbabwean Shona language means War, and war is what it will be when the two African sides meet. Both the South African and Zimbabwean selectors have made it clear that the door is still open for players to make their final World Cup squads, which need to be finalised by February 13.

With the return of Hondo the selectors must be breathing a sigh of relief after the dismal performances of the side in Bangladesh where they were handed a 5-0 thrashing. The Zimbabwe top brass have made it known that although the side is performing poorly their first objective is to reclaim ninth position in the world rankings, which is currently held by Bangladesh.

That goal seems highly unlikely after the manner in which Zimbabwe were outplayed in Dhaka last December, but Hondo brings much needed experience to the squad. He has spent time at the Dennis Lillee pace academy in Chennai and is a capable new-ball partner for Gary Brent. Zimbabwe will be relying heavily on Hondo and Brent to bring the winning feeling back and hopefully to build some confidence before the World Cup.

There is talk of a possible mini series against Kenya and Scotland to enable a few more matches before the tournament in the Caribbean, but nothing has been finalised as yet.