Streak: 'I've committed my future to Warwickshire'

Heath Streak, Warwickshire's new captain, has spoken of his desire to finish his career at Edgbaston and also of his decision to turn his back on Zimbabwe.

"I've played cricket solidly for about five years, so to have had a period off since Christmas has been helpful," he told the Birmingham Post. "I should start the season fit and fresh.

"I've committed my future to Warwickshire. I'm not just a player now. I've added responsibility as captain and it's something I'm looking forward to. There's management and planning required and I'm not really thinking about anything else. I want to continue my career in county cricket and as long as I do I want it to be here.

Streak admitted that the plight of Zimbabwe, a side he played for and led with distinction, saddens him. "What's gone on in Zimbabwe cricket is desperately disappointing," he confessed. "It took generations for us to gain Test status but there's an air of inevitability over the impending loss of it. Zimbabwe cricket is disintegrating rapidly.

"For people like my father and Duncan Fletcher, who helped us earn Test status, it's painful. If my son is good enough to play international cricket, it's likely he'll have to leave Zimbabwe."

But he did not entirely rule out an international comeback, and he remains an overseas player and not a Kolpak signing, like other former team-mates such as Ray Price and Andy Flower.

For now, he is totally committed to Warwickshire. "We have excellent balance in this side," he said. "We have a great blend of youth and experience and Daniel Vettori's signing looks smart. I'm fortunate to follow on from Nick Knight and John Inverarity. There's a great base here. We have the talent. Now we have to show more consistency."