By Henry Olonga Former Zimbabwe cricketer

Zimbabwe's preparations for the first Test against England have gone well, although the rain at Hove meant the bowlers weren't able to get a full run-out.

There are three or four key batsmen in the team and they all seem to have hit some form - Grant Flower, Stuart Carlisle, Mark Vermeulen and, lower down the order, Andy Blignaut.

Mark Vermeulen is a very talented batsman, he always has been - he's got all the shots and I really rate him.

One of the things Mark has struggled with has been the mental aspect of the game. He sometimes gets distracted very easily.

Grant Flower will be looking to step out of the shadow of brother Andy

But if he can focus all his energies on the task at hand and can carry the form he showed against Sussex into the Test, Zimbabwe will be able to put up a fighting total.

Grant Flower did kind of get left behind by his brother Andy, but he's always been a consistent performer and has a decent Test average.

When he does struggle, there's no-one in the world who works harder to try and correct any technical weaknesses.

He's now the senior batsman in the side, whether he wants that responsibility or not, and will have to step out of his brother's shadow.

Stuart Carlisle fell out of favour after making some political statements in Sri Lanka that didn't go down well with the powers that be and then lost some form.

Apart from the prestige of playing at Lord's, the best way of silencing critics is to do well Henry Olonga Q&A

He's in a unique position because if he really wants to cement a place in the side, it's there for the taking.

The main challenge the Zimbabwe batsmen have to deal with is whether they can negotiate the first few overs with the new ball that is swinging and seaming. They need to get their feet moving.

If they don't, we may get the typical scenario of being bowled out for a low score in the first innings and have our back against the wall on day one.

I saw what England's James Anderson did against Pakistan during the World Cup - it was quite outstanding.

He's got a bit to learn but as regards to talent and ability, he's got it all.

James Anderson could be a handful in his debut Test

Steve Harmison's not a bad bowler either. He's quick and gets lift, so the Zimbabwe batsmen will have to deal with that as well, but I think Anderson poses more of a threat because he's got more control.

Zimbabwe have a decent bowling attack in Heath Streak, Andy Blignaut and Doug Hondo.

They'll be consistent, bowl line and length, but we haven't traditionally bowled sides out for low scores. When we've been competitive, we've done it by being boring and disciplined.

Zimbabwe will relish the opportunity of playing at Lord's - every cricketer does if they haven't played there already.

There will be protests. I think they should go ahead, but people mustn't disrupt the cricket.

It may affect the Zimbabwe players if they prevent the team bus getting into the ground, something like that, but the team knows these protests are going to happen.

They'll expect people to have banners, they'll expect people to be shouting - I think they'll be able to handle it.