HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — Zimbabwe’s new cricket captain Brendan Taylor admits he was surprised to get the job but says his form won’t be affected.

“Yes I was surprised, but happy at the same time,” Taylor told the Associated Press yesterday. “I know it’s different when you are captain, but I don’t see it affecting my performance.”

Taylor was named captain on Friday ahead of Zimbabwe’s Test comeback against Bangladesh in August.

The 25-year-old opening batsman replaces all-rounder Elton Chigumbura, who resigned in April before briefly overturning his decision.

Taylor said Zimbabwe can perform at the highest level.

“We are all confident we can make it when we return to Tests, I think we’ve come a long way,” Taylor said.

Zimbabwe last played a Test match in 2005. They withdrew from the five-day game after an exodus of their top players following a disagreement with the board.

A Zimbabwe select side will play Australia and South Africa ‘A’ teams in a triangular limited-overs tournament starting June 29.

A Zimbabwe XI will then play Australia A in two four-day games in July, starting July 15 and July 21.

New Zealand will tour Zimbabwe in October and a reciprocal tour by Zimbabwe is planned for early 2012.