Curran hopes Zimbabwe exiles could return

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Mar 14 (Reuters) Zimbabwe coach Kevin Curran hopes that some of the players who walked out on the national side three years ago could return to play for their country.

''I just hope that it can change and those players can come back. I think the test playing countries would welcome that,'' Curran told a news conference ahead of his team's opening World Cup Group D match against Ireland at Sabina Park tomorrow.

In 2004, captain Heath Streak was sacked, prompting a walkout by 14 other players who objected to what they said were racially-biased policies.

Zimbabwe's hard-earned test status was suspended until the end of 2004 and then their government took control in January last year and withdrew the team from the test arena again.

The team continue to play one-day cricket and they are likely to return to test action from November.

The current Zimbabwean side is young and inexperienced, lacking the presence of top names such as swing bowler Streak, all-rounder Andy Blignaut, left-armer Ray Price and former captain Tatenda Taibu.

Curran told Reuters that he had spoken to some players about possible returns but declined to name them.

''A few guys have spoken to me and it would be great if some older players came back even if it were just for one or two seasons,'' he said, adding that one of the complications would be getting players out of their commitments to English county sides.

Reuters DH VP0225