Streak scored two half centuries during the NatWest Series

Captain Heath Streak believes the future could be bright for the current squad, providing the selectors show consistency and the young players continue to progress.

"I have seen a lot of ability amongst the guys and I think there is a lot to work with but the way things go, who knows?.

"If my crystal ball had come back from service, I would be able to say," he commented.

Zimbabwe lost both Tests in three days, but defeated England by four wickets at The Oval in the triangular NatWest Series.

The result raised hopes of a return visit to Lord's, having reached the final on their 2000 tour at the expense of the West Indies.

It was not to be, however, as they lost four of their five other games against England and South Africa, with one abandoned because of rain.

Spinner Ray Price has the potential to develop further

"A lot depends on how much these guys learn from this tour and hopefully we won't lose any more players in the near future, so we can work with a bunch of guys consistently, allowing them to grow and become better cricketers.

"It was always going to be tough work for us, we knew that, there is a long, hard road ahead but this team in three or four years time is going to be quite an exciting team to watch," said Streak.

Despite the poitical turmoil in their country, Zimbabwe's cricket infrastructure is sound and they are hoping their academy, now being run by former West Indies all-rounder Phil Simmons, will help produce players of genuine international pedigree.

Feature: Zimbabwe look to future

"The expertise is there and there are some great facilities in Zimbabwe so we have to lock onto some of these youngsters.