As the political situation worsens by the day, Zimbabwe's national cricketers – such as their captain Heath Streak – are returning to their family homes and farms to see the damage for themselves. Back in March, Wisden.com caught up with Heath Streak while Zimbabwe were touring India, and asked him about this issue and others. On the political unrest in Zimbabwe, Streak said "a lot's happened but you have to try to be professional and focused. We all have our concerns with our families and our country's future – but our love is cricket and we are proud to represent our country. I hope things will remain peaceful and that we can keep concentrating on our cricket".

He also stressed the need to keep personal interests separate from your focus on cricket. "I hope the other players are not letting these events interfere with their cricket – you need to have the right mental balance".

On a lighter note, Streak claimed "great strides" were being made to improve the quality of Zimbabwe's domestic structure, with new coaches and a new academy in Harare. "It's a growing sport in Zimbabwe, shown by the emergence of youngsters like Hamilton Masakadza who scored a hundred on debut. We have lots of skilful players and we need to get a balance between youth and experience".

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