Zimbabwe reached the second round of the last U19 World Cup

The country's Test status was suspended earlier this month with leading players still striking over pay and conditions.

"We know all eyes are focussed on us in the cricketing fraternity because of what has happened at home," said Under-19 team manager Dilip Chouhan.

"We believe we are playing an important role as far as the future of Zimbabwe cricket is concerned."

Captain Sean Williams, who has played four one-day internationals, is one of three players with experience at senior level, including leg-spinner Graeme Cremer, who has played six Tests.

England are my main target - I really want to beat England Captain Sean Williams

They upset Australia in the last Under-19 World Cup in 2004 to reach the second round but struggled in their last appearance, losing all five matches in the recent Afro-Asian Under-19 Cup.

Coach Walter Chawaguta said he had encouraged his players not to think about the internal problems in the build-up to this tournament.

"A lot of them are schoolboys so not a lot of them have been affected," he said.

"They may be worried about their futures but we have made it very clear they should only worry about things that are in their control - that has been our focus.

The side play Ireland in the opening round of matches on 5 February but Williams said: "England are my main target - I really want to beat England.

"If we beat England then we are close to the Super League and I would say if we can beat them then we can beat almost anybody.