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THE 'forgotten' tour - secondary to England's extended one-day series in Australia and blighted by rain in Zimbabwe - has emerged from its hide-out at last as the final match approaches here today.

England A, who are undefeated, play their third one-day international against Zimbabwe A at the Alexandra ground already 2-0 up and close to achieving the targets they set themselves for the Zimbabwe leg at the start of the tour.

Tim Lamb, the England Cricket Board's chief executive, arrived in time to watch Thursday's four-wicket victory in the second game, also at Alexandra, achieved on the Duckworth-Lewis method, and he spent most of the afternoon in discussion with David Ellman-Brown, a fellow spectator and the Zimbabwe Cricket Union's chief executive.

The topics ranged from the international disciplinary process to the impressions given during the England A tour as a contrast to the senior visit under Mike Atherton two years ago.

Lamb said: ``It's fair to say a little bridge-building was needed. David Ellman-Brown was particularly complimentary about this England tour. He was entirely delighted with the way the players and management conducted themselves on and off the field and said they were excellent ambassadors.

``There are lots of international issues bubbling at the moment. We thought it important for me to visit here. What is quite clear is that Zimbabwe and England are close together in their general outlook.''

Michael Vaughan, the England A captain, has managed to instil a philosophy of teamwork and unselfishness. That is no mean feat when individual careers are on the line and it is reminiscent of the successful tour under Adam Hollioake in Australia two years ago. Source :: Electronic Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk)

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