Heath Streak - Captain, age 29, Tests 53. Reappointed captain last September less than a year after resigning because form deserted him during his leadership.

Dealt with the responsibility at the World Cup admirably as Zimbabwe profited from England's forfeit of the Harare contest. Not taken a five-wicket haul in 14 Tests as captain, however, and has lost a yard of pace since his six for 87 at the Lord's Test three years ago. Ability to swing the ball could yet reap rewards in English conditions.

Tatenda Taibu

Vice-capt, Age 20, Tests 7

Although an international for only two years, he has been made vice-captain of his country for the tour. Neat behind the stumps and nuggety with the bat in the middle, lower-order, Taibu was one of Zimbabwe's more impressive performers during the World Cup campaign and promises to get better, having been around the national squad since their English tour of 2000.

Grant Flower

Age 32, Tests 64

Spent his whole career in the shadows of older brother Andy's phenomenal achievements but may now prosper following his departure. Averages just 30 with the bat, with six centuries to his name at the highest level, three against Pakistan, including an unbeaten double century in his country's first-ever Test win in 1994-95. Although his left-arm spin is better suited to limited-overs cricket, inexperience in the slow bowling department may result in a more advanced role.

Dion Ebrahim

Age 22, Tests 15

Limited but dogged right-handed opener, given a chance as a 20-year-old in April 2001 when Bangladesh toured. Showed his determination with a battling first innings half-century at Lord's. Better against pace than spin, although his Test-best 94, made in five hours, came in India last winter. Was employed in the middle-order during the World Cup where his running between the wickets and athleticism in the field far outshone his strokeplay.

Mark Vermeulen

Age 24, Tests 2

A former Zimbabwe Under-19 captain and junior javelin champion, Vermeulen was handed his chance at the head of the order in the recent series with Pakistan. The selectors have stuck with him for this tour, having experimented with a long line of openers. Has had to overcome an horrendous reputation for being hot-headed, which was stoked 12 months ago when he jostled fellow tourist Ray Price in an on-field altercation in domestic cricket.

Barney Rogers

Age 20, Tests 0

A middle-order batsman, who despite being naturally right-handed, has batted left-handed all his life thanks to the influence of his father, who believed the strongest hand should be at the top of the grip. The 20-year-old will be hoping to impress after gaining an opportunity through the departures of Andy Flower, Guy Whittall and Alistair Campbell from the higher reaches of the order.

Sean Ervine

Tests 20, Age 2

One of a half-dozen of Zimbabwean all-rounders on the trip, Ervine is another product of the CFX Academy which has fast-tracked a number of individuals. Yet to make his Test bow, there have been glimpses of his potential in 20 ODIs, however, most notably his savage late assault alongside Heath Streak against New Zealand in the World Cup when he contributed a 14-ball, unbeaten 31. Still developing as a seamer.

Andy Blignaut

Age 24, Tests 9

Has made a big impression in his nine Tests to date, taking 32 wickets at just over 31, mostly with the new ball. A powerful left-handed batsman undaunted by any situation, Blignaut's aggression earnt him the man-of-the-match award against Australia in the World Cup when his quickfire half-century taxed the champions. Might have given up the game after a year off due to personal problems but returned shortly after a serious car crash.

Mluleki Nkala

Age 22, Tests 7

Yet to fulfil the promise suggested by his Test debut against England in 2000 when as a 19-year-old at Trent Bridge his five wickets, including the double scalp of Nasser Hussain, threatened to throw the match Zimbabwe's way. Loss of form and a nagging intercostal injury followed that performance in rainy Nottingham and his all-round talent has only been seen on occasion.

Stuart Carlisle

Age 30, Tests 28

Now one of the senior members of the party due to the recent spate of retirements in Zimbabwean cricket, Carlisle has endured a torrid time of late. Captain of his country a year ago - admittedly by default with Brian Murphy injured and no-one else wanting the job - he had slipped out of the Mashonaland team at the turn of this year, which cost him a World Cup spot. Has passed 50 just seven times in 49 Test innings.

Travis Friend

Age 22, Tests 11

Strangely cold-shouldered at the World Cup this winter, where he played just once and sent down only two overs of his bustling seam. Friend, with the talent to bear, has serious ambitions of becoming a high-class all-rounder. Scored runs on the subcontinent in the winter of 2001-02, making half-centuries in Bangladesh and India and contributing on more than one occasion in Sri Lanka.

Vusimuzi Sibanda

Age 19, Tests 0

Like Rogers, one of Zimbabwe's new breed, Sibanda is still a teenager and one of a handful of black players to break through in the past 18 months. However, upon his selection he had passed 50 just once in his nine first-class matches domestically despite opening the batting. Also bowls first or second change at a lively pace.

Douglas Hondo

Age 23, Tests 2

His only Test appearance before Lord's came against South Africa in September 2001. Back problems hampered his early development as a fast bowler but having spent three impressive weeks at Dennis Lillee's Madras academy a year earlier, Hondo was thrown in at the highest level. Out of his depth, he was discarded and it took a season in Adelaide club cricket to transform him. He returned to international cricket with a burst of 15 wickets in just five ODIs.

Douglas Marillier

Age 25, Tests 5

Having survived a car crash that threatened to prevent him walking again, Marillier has developed into one of Zimbabwe's great hopes for the next decade. His off-spin is complimented by aggressive batting; he has been employed successfully as an opener since the World Cup in one-dayers, notching a maiden international century against Kenya last month two days after 59 against Pakistan in Sharjah.

Ray Price

Age 26, Tests 10

A left-arm spinner, and first-choice slow bowler in Test cricket since the retirement of Paul Strang and injury to fellow leg-spinner Brian Murphy. Price has taken 35 wickets at more than 41 apiece, rarely having totals on the board that allow freedom to attack. Two five-for performances against India on subcontinent soil and South Africa in Bulawayo cost more than 180 runs apiece and early-season English conditions should not encourage better.