BBC SPORT | Cricket | Campbell back in charge



By Steve Vickers Zimbabwe sports journalist

Despite leading Zimbabwe to the Super Six phase of the 1999 World Cup, Alistair Campbell has no ambitions to try his luck again in South Africa next year.

Named as captain for the forthcoming home series against Pakistan, he is content that it will be only a temporary appointment.

When Heath Streak was re-appointed captain in August, Campbell turned down an offer to be his deputy but agreed that he would take over should Streak have any injury problems.

"Heath duly obliged and got injured, so they offered me the captaincy, and I was good to my word and I'm looking forward to the challenge." said Campbell.

Campbell's captaincy record

19 Tests Won two, drawn seven, lost 10

78 ODIs Won 28, lost 47, ties two, no result one

"I'm just here as a stop-gap and hope I can stand in for this month or so and get the season underway on a positive note, although we've got a long way to go as a team."

"I enjoyed my last tenure as captain, we had a good side then and cricket was really progressing at that stage."

Cup worry

Since the last World Cup, Zimbabwe's fortunes declined and the team was dogged by allegations of racism which Campbell said last year were tearing the team apart.

More recently there has been political pressure from various quarters to move away the World Cup matches due to be played in Zimbabwe because of security concerns.

Heath Streak
Streak hurt his shoulder in a road accident

While Zimbabwe's sub-hosting still hangs in the balance, with an ICC inspection team due in the country during the one-day series against Pakistan, Campbell is confident that the go-ahead will be given.

"I've got no worries at all, we have the infrastructure, and it would be sad if outside factors caused us to lose the hosting of the matches."

"I've got no problem with people coming to have a look if they have doubts, and I think they'll be pleasantly surprised."

Tough opposition

Zimbabwe will play Pakistan in two Tests and five one-day matches, and despite their battering at the hands of Australia, Campbell is giving the visitors a lot of respect.

"I thought it was a bit unfair to blood their youth against Australia - they were like lambs to the slaughter, but Pakistan are a dangerous side when they're down, and it's going to be really tough for us.

Danish Kaneria loses his leg stump
Pakistan were thrashed by Australia

"They're going to come hard at us early on, and we've got to be ready for their onslaught and weather that storm and put some pressure on them and hopefully force something out of the games."

Zimbabwe have not played Test cricket since February and their bowling attack will be considerably weakened with the absence of Streak and the injury-plagued Henry Olonga.

"We've got a lot of inexperienced youngsters in our bowling attack, but they have done well in our first-class competition, although we won't expect wonders early on," said Campbell.

"On paper Pakistan are nearly back to full strength, and all in all it should make for a very interesting series."


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