Streak. putting his weight fully behind new captain Tatenda Taibu

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AP) - Former Zimbabwe cricket captain Heath Streak has rejoined the team after quitting last year in a dispute over selection procedures.

Streak's decision ends a bruising 10-month stand-off with Zimbabwe Cricket, which he accused of racism in its choice of players. He walked out last April and was followed by 15 other white players who quit in solidarity with their skipper.

In a statement quoted by Zimbabwe state radio yesterday, Streak said he was ready to play again when selected and was putting his weight fully behind the new captain, Tatenda Taibu.

Macsood Ebrahim, the national convener of selectors, confirmed that Streak had signed a contract to play for
Zimbabwe late Thursday.

"We welcome that," Ebrahim said. "We're happy to have him back in the fold."

Zimbabwe temporarily lost its test status after the dispute and suffered humiliating defeats in recent fixtures due to the inexperience of its current players.

Another white player, Andy Blignaut, rejoined the side earlier this week and was immediately rushed back into the Zimbabwe A squad facing Bangladesh A in the central city of Kwekwe.

The return of Blignaut and Streak to the fold could pave the way for other white players, including Stuart Carlisle and Trevor Gripper, who are reportedly involved in negotiations with a Zimbabwe government committee.

Ahead of the official announcement, Streak told the Zimbabwe Independent newspaper yesterday that he would be happy to play under Taibu.

"I'll give him 100 per cent support," he said. "My major concern is that cricket for future generations is safeguarded."

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