HARARE (Reuters)
England's short tour of Zimbabwe should be seen as a squad building exercise towards the 2003 World Cup, coach Duncan Fletcher said shortly after the team's arrival in Harare.

"You can see from the make-up of the side that we've chosen a very inexperienced side," Fletcher told Reuters. "You want to win any game you go into, but we are looking to have a look at some players now to try and settle on a squad that's going to take England through to the World Cup. It's about giving guys an opportunity to prove that they are good enough to play in the World Cup (in South Africa)."

England's preparations for the tour were disrupted by injuries to paceman James Ormond and all-rounder Craig White, who were replaced by fast bowler Chris Silverwood and batsman Graham Thorpe. "There are some guys we did want to have a look at and it's a pity they were injured," Fletcher said. "We wanted them to start gaining experience in specific roles we have for them.

"I think this is the problem with England cricket at the moment. Some of our players are so inexperienced at one-day cricket, and we were trying to get them into roles that they could gain that experience."

With Zimbabwe enduring political turmoil, the touring party was briefed on security shortly after checking into their hotel. "Other sides have come here and mentioned that they've enjoyed their cricket," Fletcher said. "That's really what we're here for - to enjoy our cricket and let other people look after the security."

England have a one-day warm-up match against Zimbabwe A in Harare on Monday, and then play five limited overs internationals against Zimbabwe starting next Wednesday.

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