/ 1 July 2003

Zim-England match cut to 25 overs

Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak won the toss and elected to field in the rain-delayed triangular series one-day international against England here at Headingley on Tuesday.

Zimbabwe made a late change to the team that went down to a 46-run defeat against South Africa at Canterbury on Sunday; seamer Gary Brent coming in for left-arm spinner Raymond Price as the Africans opted for a frontline pace attack.

England called up Worcestershire pace bowler Kabir Ali for his one-day international debut in place of left-arm spinner Ashley Giles as the home side went for an all-seam attack.

England captain Michael Vaughan returned to the team after missing Saturday’s six-wicket win over South Africa at The Oval with a back strain.

Vaughan replaced out of form Kent batsman Robert Key.

The match had been reduced to a 25 overs per side contest, the shortest length required for a result to be possible under tournament rules.

All three teams are level on six points each, with one win from two matches. But South Africa’s superior run-rate currently means the Proteas are on top.

Zimbabwe beat England by four wickets in Thursday’s series opener at Trent Bridge. – Sapa-AFP