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ICC impressed by Zim

Sport
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has said it is impressed by Zimbabwe’s return to Test cricket. The ICC has been working with Zimbabwe Cricket, in particular through the work of the Zimbabwe Task Team, to provide advice and support in order to make this return possible. In a statement yesterday, ICC chief executive officer Haroon […]

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has said it is impressed by Zimbabwe’s return to Test cricket.

The ICC has been working with Zimbabwe Cricket, in particular through the work of the Zimbabwe Task Team, to provide advice and support in order to make this return possible.

In a statement yesterday, ICC chief executive officer Haroon Logart said there were encouraging signs of real recovery for the game in Zimbabwe and the ICC was keen to continue providing support wherever possible.

“To have Zimbabwe return to playing competitive Test cricket is a progressive step and I hope we will see good performances,” said Lorgat.

“The future of Test cricket must be supported and I am encouraged by the positive signs of recovery we see in the game in Zimbabwe. It is incumbent on the entire cricket community to work together to promote Test cricket and that is why I wish to support this Test match.

“Much has been done to improve cricket in Zimbabwe, especially in the past two years. It has been fantastic to see some experienced and talented individuals becoming deeply involved, including former players such as Heath Streak, Grant Flower and Alistair Campbell along with Zimbabwe Cricket’s chairman Peter Chingoka and chief executive Ozias Bvute.

“As we know, in order to maintain a competitive Test team, there needs to be a robust first-class structure that develops players for international competition. Zimbabwe’s domestic system has been revamped and now needs to be nurtured and maintained.

“There is still a long way to go before Zimbabwe can compete consistently with the very best Test nations in the world, but this is a good start. They have been responsible by appreciating the need to be patient and gradual as they develop their team. I wish them well as they play this one-off Test against Bangladesh and hope they develop to play a full Test series – home and away – against the top sides in the future.

“We want more competitive teams and so there is a need to focus on performance. That will, in turn, bring with it more fans, a rise in local interest and ultimately more players coming into the game. That is how we will continue to build a bigger, better global game.”

Lorgat proceeded to highlight the strength and importance of Test cricket as the pinnacle format of the game.

“Test cricket will be protected and promoted above all other forms of the game. It is the link to the game’s origins, it’s what defines greatness and is recognised by the players as being the benchmark by which they will be graded and remembered.

“Currently, we are enjoying an enthralling series in England with India’s number-one position on the Reliance ICC Test Championship table on the line.

It is all about meaningful, hard-fought and entertaining cricket and certainly we have seen that in England so far in this series.

“The new Test Championship, which is on the horizon, will provide even a better context to the existing programme and that is certainly something to look forward to as our great sport continues to grow stronger.” — ICC