Flower briefly played for Leicestershire in the 2002 season

Flower agreed a contract with the county after he, Streak and a group of other so-called rebels turned their backs on Zimbabwe last year.

And to play for them again now could jeopardise his eligibility for Essex.

"I've committed myself to Essex for two years but after that anything is possible," he commented.

Flower, whose brother Andy also plays for Essex after retirning from international cricket in 2003, remains unhappy with selection policy in Zimbabwe.

"I was part of a few meetings before I left....I will not go back unless there are some changes," he added.

The 34-year-old will play for Essex as a non-overseas player under the terms of the Kolpak ruling which states that any citizen of a country that has an associate agreement with the European Union has the same emplyment rights as a European worker.

But the England and Wales Cricket Board have confirmed that should players like Flower and compatriot Ray Price, who has a similar arrangement with Worcestershire, play for Zimbawe, their Kolpak status would be "at risk".

Flower is due to report to Chelmsford on Monday to begin net practice ahead of the new season.