Zimbabwe will be taking these friendlies seriously as part of their preparation for the forthcoming World Cricket Cup.
The Englishmen are expected to kick off their tour with a one-day warm up game against Country Districts tomorrow at Harare South Country Club. The next one-day warm up game will be against Academy XI at Country Club before engaging Mashona-land in the first of the two planned four day games, at Old Hararians and the last four-day game will be played against the Presidents XI on January 26, at Kwekwe Sports Club.
The tour, which is billed to be success might be affected by the current heavy down rain hitting the nation.
After a six day break, play resumes on February 2, with the First Test at Harare Sports Club or Alexandra Sports Club. The next Test will be played in Bulawayo on February 9, at Queens Sports Club followed by the one day international (ODI) also to be played at the same venue.
Action returns to Harare with the second ODI, which will be played at Harare Sports Club on February 18.
The tourists wind up their visit with the third and last ODI at Harare Sports Club on February 20 before flying to South Africa.
The Zimbabwe Cricket Union and the England Cricket Board also announced that England would tour Zimbabwe in February 2000 to play four-one day internationals after their tour of South Africa. — Staff Writers.