KOLKATA: Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura said Sunday that his country's return to Test cricket after a six-year absence would help the players become more competitive.
Zimbabwe, who played their last Test in 2005 against India, are set to face Bangladesh in August followed by matches against Pakistan and New Zealand.
"The next three months are going to be very important for us. We are all excited about playing Test cricket and we know it is going to improve us as players," Chigumbura said after his team's emphatic World Cup win over Kenya.
"We have to put in hard work in the coming three months. We know where we are and what we need to do before we start our first game."
Coach Alan Butcher Saturday admitted the team would face a steep learning curve.
"No doubt you might be wondering if we are going to be up for the challenge and the answer to that, honestly, is probably 'no'."
He said Zimbabwe would face a similar challenge to that of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, who both had a tough baptism in Test cricket.
"The only place to learn to play Test cricket is actually by doing that. There is no other place that can prepare you for that."
Zimbabwe cricket has advanced in the past two years after going through a chaotic period during which many of the leading players rebelled against the administration, culminating in the country voluntarily withdrawing from Tests.
The African nation have so far played 83 Tests since making their debut in 1992, winning eight, losing 49 and drawing 26.
Chigumbura said he was happy with his team's all-round performance against Kenya in their last World Cup match at Kolkata's Eden Gardens.
"Today we played an all-round game. Our batting was good and our bowling consistent," he said.
Zimbabwe posted their highest total of the tournament, 308-6, thanks to man-of-the-match Craig Ervine (66), Vusimuzi Sibanda (61) and Tatenda Taibu (53).
Their spinners, Raymond Price, Graeme Cremer and Greg Lamb then took two wickets apiece as Kenya were dismissed for just 147 in 36 overs.
"It was a good wicket once you get yourself in and I think it was difficult for them with our spinners bowling," said Chigumbura.
Both the African teams were already out of contention for a place in the quarter-finals, but Zimbabwe had the satisfaction of posting two wins in six matches while Kenya remained winless.
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