HARARE, Aug 3: New Zealand arrived in Zimbabwe on Tuesday for their controversial tour of the southern African country, despite political disapproval back home. “We’re here to play cricket, that’s what we do best,” New Zealand manager Lindsay Crocker told reporters after the team arrived in Zimbabwe’s capital.

“We’ve had a good week of preparation in Namibia and we are looking forward to the Test series,” Crocker added. The Black Caps’ tour has come under political scrutiny, with New Zealand’s government leading an international push to have the tour cancelled because of concerns over human rights abuses under Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe.

However, the tour has gone ahead despite the passing of a resolution by New Zealand’s parliament last week calling on the International Cricket Council (ICC) and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) to cancel the trip.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe all-rounder Heath Streak returned to his Matabeleland farm from England and will be in Harare later this week practising for the first Test. Streak’s inclusion as vice-captain in the home team’s 14-man squad, having been released by Warwickshire, will provide strength in both batting and bowling against the Kiwis.

He has also made his peace with the Zimbabwe Cricket following his walk-out 16 months ago together with 14 other contracted white players after they alleged racism in the selection process. Other former dissidents, Stuart Carlisle, Craig Wishart and Andy Blignaut are also included in the squad.

But not Ray Price, Grant Flower, Sean Ervine and Travis Friend, who has not reported in Zimbabwe will field their strongest batting line-up in almost two years, with Wishart, Carlisle, Dion Ebrahim and Streak supporting Brendan Taylor, Hamilton Masakadza and captain Tatenda Taibu.—Agencies