The Zimbabwe team

Richard Boock seems to think he has the inside oil on the make-up of the Zimbabwe team for the first test, and it contains a surprise. The surprise is the return of so many of the "white rebels", including pace bowler Andy Bliganut (who spent some of his exile as a male model), batsman Stuart Carlisle and opener Craig Wishart. I am not sure whether this marks the end of the disputes which have riven Zimbabwe cricket, or whether it says something about the political situation in Zimbabwe, or whether it is empty of any meaning whatsoever - but it certainly should mean that we are in for a more competitive series than we were expecting. The transport woes and the lack of preparation by the New Zealand side will only amplify that.