HARARE, May 16: None of the 15 white rebel Zimbabwe players were named in a 'A' side to play a two-day match against Australia starting on Monday in a sign that a resolution to the crisis is no closer.

The rebels declared they were unavailable for selection last month in a dispute with the Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) over the end of Heath Streak's tenure as captain, the composition of the selection panel and the alleged poor conduct of ZCU officials.

The board fired the players on Monday after the players had accepted in principle to the board's offer of mediation. On Friday the ZCU issued a statement saying the players had 21 days to return to work, raising hopes that an end to the impasse was in sight.

The 'A' team will be captained by Blessing Mahwire, who was left out of the current second Test against Sri Lanka in Bulawayo after he was reported for a suspect bowling action following the first Test.

Team: Wisdom Siziba, Greg Strydom, Eric Chauluka, Vusi Sibanda, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Tafadzwa Mufambisi, Rangarirayi Manyande, Blessing Mahwire (captain), Amos Maungwa, Waddington Mwayenga, Ryan Bennett. -Reuters