HOVE (England), May 17: Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak has said he wished his side had faced better teams ahead of next week’s opening Test against England at Lord’s on Thursday.

In last week’s tied match against Worcestershire both former Zimbabwe turned England batsman Graeme Hick and South Africa fast bowler Nantie Hayward were missing.

And in their current match, against Sussex, the home team have left out Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed, England One-day International paceman James Kirtley, former England batsman and club captain Chris Adams as well as improving all-rounder Robin Martin-Jenkins.

Streak, speaking after Friday’s second day of a scheduled four was washed out completely, said he understood why counties were keen to rest key players.

But the fast bowler, some of whose team’s batsmen may have had extra time at the crease because of the counties’ selection policies, added: “Obviously, yes we would like to play against stronger county sides; around the world you see state sides or provincial sides putting out their strongest possible team.

“They try not to let the touring side dominate, making sure they have a tough time in their warm-up games.”—AFP