Zimbabwe will approach their four-day match against Sri Lanka as seriously as if it was a Test, according to head of selectors Kenyon Ziehl.

Speaking to the Independent newspaper, Ziehl said the game, which starts in Bulawayo on Wednesday, was a key part of getting Zimbabwe readmitted to the Test arena. "They judge us on the longer-version and we need to play 12-38 first-class matches before resumption of Test cricket," he said.

"We are looking at batsmen that can occupy the crease. That's where we need to sort of build on. On the bowlers' side we are looking at guys who can maintain a good line and length consistently. That is very critical at this level of the game.

"I hope they [Sri Lanka] will use their strongest team. It's important to have a look at their leading bowlers like Ajantha Mendis and Muttiah Muralitharan before the ODIs."

Zimbabwe will field their best XI in the match, although they will be without Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams who have both decided to play abroad after becoming the latest players to fall out with the board.