FORMER Zimbabwe cricket captain and pace bowler Heath Streak says Zimbabwe would enjoy an advantage if they went for an all-out pace attack against Bangladesh next month.Zimbabwe host the Tigers for five ODIs in Bulawayo on August 9, 11, 14, 16 and 18.

The decision by Zimbabwe Cricket to host all five matches at Queens Sports Club, which is considered spin-friendly, could result in Zimbabwe employing a three-man spin attack of Prosper Utseya, Ray Price and Graeme Cremer.

But in an interview this week, Streak seemed to suggest that this approach might backfire, just as the decision not to have some of the matches played in the placid conditions of Harare Sports Club.

“Bangladesh always struggled against quick bowling when we played,” Streak said.
“If we use slow and turning wickets it gives them confidence. It puts them at ease. When we played them we tried to expose them to conditions they were not comfortable playing in.”

Streak’s side used to defeat the Asian side with relative ease, but the pendulum swung after the exodus of several experienced players.“I think Bangladesh’s history has always been of an up and down team,” he said. “On their day they can beat anyone. But I think they are a little bit inconsistent.”

But the 35-year-old veteran of 65 Tests and 189 ODIs and his country’s leading wicket-taker at both forms of the game said he still fancied Zimbabwe to do well.

“The last time we played very well against Bangladesh in Bangladesh,” said Streak. “Obviously now the biggest concern is match fitness. That aside, there is a lot of talent in the side.

”If we find early form there is no reason why we can’t beat Bangladesh at home.”

If heeded, Streak’s comments will mean all-rounder Elton Chigumbura resumes his new ball duties alongside Chris Mpofu, perhaps, to provide firepower upfront. Tawanda Mupariwa and Ed Rainsford will come in as seam back-up.

Meanwhile Streak, who is currently holding some private coaching clinics in his hometown of Bulawayo, said he was still hoping to get involved in coaching at a higher level.

“Look, I had dialogue with ZC but I’m still waiting for them to get back to me on a few issues,” he said.Streak last month quit Indian Cricket League side Ahmedabad Rockets after he requested to be released from his contract.“I asked to be released from my contract so that I could look at other avenues”.