Spinners a threat to NZ

Zimbabwe veteran Ray Price has welcomed the return of fellow spinner Graeme Cremer to a balanced attack which he feels can cause problems for New Zealand in this week's one-off Test.

Fit-again Cremer has been recalled to the squad along with batsman Stuart Matsikenyeri for the clash in Napier on Thursday.

And while captain Brendon Taylor's impressive form has underpinned some strong batting efforts recently, Price feels Zimbabwe now also have strength in the bowling department.

"Brendon is playing so well at the moment and hopefully Graeme Cremer will get fit and it will make a big difference to our Test side as well," he told zimcricket.org.

"Heath [Streak] is doing so well [coaching] our seamers, and that's made a big difference. It's great to be able to not just rely on the spinners, it's getting to the time when we can rely on both the seamers and the spinners and it's fantastic for Zim cricket."

Explaining Matsikenyeri's selection, convener of selectors Givemore Makoni said: "Stuart Matsikenyeri has earned a recall into the national squad as he has done very well in the domestic competitions and is one of the few batsmen who has been consistent.

"He is an experienced and aggressive player."

Opener Vusi Sibanda has not been considered after opting to play in Australian grade cricket rather than his own country's domestic structure.

Zimbabwe Cricket policy states that to be eligible for national selection, a player has to be contracted to play domestic cricket in Zimbabwe.