Zimbabwe could play Tests next year - Heath Streak

Zimbabwe's bowling coach Heath Streak has said the country will be ready for Test cricket next year after the team beat India and Sri Lanka on its way to the final of the recent home triangular one-day series.

"The guys have improved a lot in terms of their play and confidence after beating some of the big teams," Streak told Chronicle Sport. "Those recent victories have given them some belief that they can compete at the highest levels. However, with regards to Test cricket return, there is still a lot that needs to be done and to be realistic we can make a return sometime next year."

Streak will be the bowling coach of Matabeleland Tuskers next season, assisting new head coach, and former Zimbabwe captain, Dave Houghton. He is optimistic about the domestic side's prospects, although he cautioned that the players need to do lot of work in the off-season, particularly the bowlers.

"My duties include developing the bowlers. They know they under-performed last season and they are working hard to improve on their shortcomings. Last season, they were inconsistent. There is a lot of work that needs to be done during the off-season so that we create a strong foundation and start the season well.

"We have got a good squad made up of experienced players and youngsters who are determined to learn. We are also going to have top quality overseas players in our team who we hope the players will learn a lot from."