Zimbabwe's Taylor eyes result away from home

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They've shown they can play in their own backyard, now Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor wants his troops to revel outside their comfort zone.

Five months since their re-entry to test cricket, which followed a self-imposed five-and-half year exile, Zimbabwe play their first overseas international at McLean Park today.

They've gone from laughing stock of world cricket to upward movers, starting with a 120-run win over Bangladesh in their homecoming test in August, then a gutsy fight against New Zealand in November before the tourists snuck home by 34 runs in the final session in Bulawayo.

Now all this promise needs to translate into performances in foreign conditions where the ball bounces and seams.

"It's massive. It will take us out of our comfort zone and we're definitely going to be tested," Taylor said.

"Progress is only going to happen by touring countries like New Zealand and Australia and playing in different conditions."

Solid foundations were laid; coach Alan Butcher (father of former England batsman Mark) was installed, along with two capable assistants in former test stalwarts Grant Flower and Heath Streak. Flower was bowling in the nets at Nelson Park this week; Streak offering a quiet word from the fringes. Harare-based former New Zealand all-rounder Chris Harris has also offered fielding coaching since taking over the under-19 side.

The input of Flower and Streak has been, well, "massive", says Taylor. "They've worked closely with us for the last year or two and the amount of hours they've put in is priceless."

Taylor plundered in the home series, scoring back-to-back ODI hundreds against New Zealand then 50 and 117 in the Bulawayo test. Fresh from a stint with Wellington, which included a whirlwind T20 century in Queenstown, he leads the batting.

Most intrigue surrounds the tourists' fast bowling, where youngsters Kyle Jarvis and Brian Vitori form a sharp new-ball duo. Left-armer Vitori, who played his first cricket match at age 15, took back-to-back five-wicket hauls in ODIs against Bangladesh.

- © Fairfax NZ News