Zimbabwe are in a positive frame of mind ahead of their imminent home series against West Indies. Zimbabwe Cricket Union president Peter Chingoka believes the team can put a recent Test series thrashing in Australia behind them.
"In Australia, even without the injured Grant Flower, we managed to put up a couple of reasonable performances, especially at Sydney," Chingoka said.
Zimbabwe lost first Test by an innings and nine wickets as Aussie opener Matthew Hayden hit a record 380.
But they put up more of a fight in the second Test at the SCG, tallying 308 in the first innings.
"If you're able to make 300 runs against Australia, that should be an indication of what you can do against the other sides," Chingoka said.
"The senior players are going to have to make big statements and I believe that with us having home advantage it should be a close series."
Zimbabwe are presently rebuilding their team following the international retirements of Andy Flower, Henry Olonga, Guy Whittall and Alistair Campbell earlier this year.
The West Indies squad arrived in Harare on Monday for a tour of two Test matches and five one-day internationals.
The first Test starts in Harare on 4 November.
Chingoka added the West Indians had not raised concerns about security in Zimbabwe, which is considered a travel risk by some countries.
West Indies squad: Brian Lara (capt), Ramnaresh Sarwan (vice-capt), Chris Gayle, Wavell Hinds, Daren Ganga, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Marlon Samuels, Omari Banks, Ridley Jacobs (wkt), Carlton Baugh (wkt), Merv Dillon, Vasbert Drakes, Corey Collymore, Fidel Edwards, Ravi Rampaul, Jerome Taylor.
MMIX
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