By Justin Langer Australia Test batsman in Zimbabwe

There are two distinct differences between this Australian tour of Zimbabwe and the one I was on four years ago.

Then, the atmosphere and mood was one of optimism and hope.

The first Test match between the two countries was seen as a major breakthrough for Zimbabwe in their quest to earn respect and prove they were worthy of Test status.

Langer training ahead of the first Test on 22 May

There was a true feeling of festivity and joy that we were in Zimbabwe playing international cricket.

In doing so there was a real sense that we were not only promoting this country but also the game of cricket on the global scale.

The tide has certainly changed.

Now there is controversy after controversy, pessimism, criticism and mediocrity.

To me, this is a terrible shame.

My fond memory of last time here is one of arriving in Zimbabwe to a greeting of blossoming jacaranda trees, crisp clean air, beautiful cricket grounds.

There were happy, energetic people wanting to see Australia in action against the young but hopeful Zimbabweans.

As fate would have it, our arrival back then was like the changing of the guard and the start of our incredible run of sixteen straight Test match victories.

Ironically Geoff Marsh, the current Zimbabwean coach, had stepped aside as our coach and was replaced by John Buchanan.

Arriving this time my distinct and lasting memory will be one of stepping off the plane into smoky night skies and quiet, sleepy, streets.

As a cricketer my hope for this tour is that we can provide some entertainment and hope for those people who may be struggling in this country Justin Langer

From an outsider's point of view, the heavy air was almost symbolic of where the county seems to be now compared to then.

The lifeless streets and clear lack of enthusiasm for this tour represent the state of Zimbabwean cricket which is facing an incredibly tough time.

There is no doubt from our position that we will all be disappointed if we don't play against the best team Zimbabwe have to offer.

Test cricket is about exactly that. It is about being tested by the best your opposing country has to offer.

It is about testing your skills and your wits against the best of the best.

From all accounts this won't happen in the next two Tests we are here to play.

When we were in transit in Johannesburg, Sean Ervine, the talented young all-rounder, was flying to Perth to start a new life and new career, in effect retiring from international cricket at the tender age of 21.

This act is sadly indicative of what seems to be happening here in Zimbabwean cricket.

It would be ignorant of me to comment or become embroiled in the political correctness of Australia touring this country.

There has been so much said over the last few months in Australia and England.

All I will say is that as a cricketer my hope for this tour is that we can provide some entertainment and hope for those people who may be struggling in this country.

In doing so we may also provide some inspiration for some young boys and girls here and around the world.

I would rather see children running around with a smile on their faces playing with a bat and ball than playing with some of the other toys that are being played with today.