Blignaut in Zimbabwe Test squad 03 Mar 2005 By: Sudeep Popat

Andy Blignaut becomes the fourth rebel player to return to Zimbabwean ranks, as he has been named in the Test squad to take on South Africa.

Blignaut abandoned his protest last week, however unlike Heath Streak, wasn't considered for an immediate return during the 3-0 ODI series loss.

Blignaut, an explosive all-rounder, tried his hand as an Australian domestic cricketer following withdrawal from the Zimbabwean side back in April last year, however some disappointing performances there ultimatelty led him to reconcile with the Zimbabwean board.

As expected, Heath Streak, who immediately showed that he was back at his best with a face-saving 68 in the last ODI, has been named in the squad as well.

Dion Ebrahim, who because of poor performances throughout the last year was dropped for the ODI series, has been re-called to prove his worth at the critical #3 postition in the batting line-up.

The first of the two Tests between the two sides gets under way tomorrow (Firday) at Newlands in Cape Town.

Zimbabwe squad:
Stuart Matsikenyeri, Barney Rogers, Hamilton Masakadza, Dion Ebrahim, Sean Williams, Tatenda Taibu (captain and wicket-keeper), Alester Maregwede, Heath Streak, Andy Blignaut, Elton Chigumbura, Graeme Cremer, Prosper Utseya, Twanda Mupariwa, Christopher Mpofu, Douglas Hondo.