Zimbabwe's tour of the United Arab Emirates for the Sharjah Champions Trophy triangular one-day series looks set to proceed as scheduled next week. The national selectors named a 14-member squad for the tournament, which also involves Pakistan and Sri Lanka and starts on October 26th.

Former Australia coach Geoff Marsh will be in charge of the team after taking over from fellow-countryman Carl Rackemann, who returned home soon after the one-day series against England.

Opening batsman Alistair Campbell and former vice-captain Guy Whittall are both dropped, together with spinner Dirk Viljoen, because of poor form.

Convenor of selectors Ali Shah said yesterday that the two regular players Campbell and Whittall had been playing badly of late.

"The two players were dropped due to lack of form. We felt that they needed to regain their form," said Shah, adding that Campbell's dropping had nothing to do with his racial remarks to the British media in Bulawayo last week.

"We did not drop him because of that incident. The ZCU board is going to deal with it as Campbell has already been summoned to appear before a disciplinary committee."

Campbell, 29, who made his one-day international debut against West Indies in February 1992, has played in 172 matches. Only Andy Flower has played more, with 180. Campbell has scored 4794 runs in 168 innings at an average of 31.12. He has scored seven centuries, the most by a Zimbabwean in one-day cricket ahead of Grant Flower (5) and Andy Flower (3).

Despite his good overall record, Campbell scored a mere 69 runs in five innings against England at an average of 13.80. He was also the stand-in captain in the last two one-day matches in Bulawayo in the absence of the injured Heath Streak.

Whittall has the fourth highest number of one-day appearances for Zimbabwe with 139 matches. Brian Murphy has replaced him as vice-captain. Murphy is returning to the squad after a lengthy lay-off due to injury. Also joining the team is Harare Sports Club all rounder Trevor Gripper.

The new selection panel started its work soon after the series against England at the weekend. The selectors are looking at building a strong side for the 2003 World Cup with an emphasis on youth.

Seamers Andy Blignaut, Brian Strang and Brighton Watambwa were not considered because of injuries, while Churchill schoolboys Hamilton Masakadza and Tatenda Taibu were left out as they are preparing for final Advanced Level examinations.

Youngsters Douglas Hondo, Guy Croxford and Stuart Matsikenyire were not considered because they are preparing to leave for Australia to play grade cricket.

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