Cricket: Streak step no problem for Warks says Amiss.

Byline: BEN MOTTRAM WARWICKSHIRE chief executive

Dennis Amiss believes Heath Streak's decision to end his 10-month exile with Zimbabwe will not create a selection headache for the champions.

Streak was the most highprofile name in a rebel group of 15 leading white players who resigned from the international scene last April in protest at the Zimbabwe board over selection policies. Therow, sparked after Streak was stripped of the captaincy, led to Zimbabwe losing its Test status last year.

Streak, who along with the rebels argued that teams were being selected on racial lines, instead moved to the Bears and helped them to lift the County Championship crown for the first time in nine years.

The 30-year-old even rewrote the record books with the best bowling performance on debut in Championship historyHowever, Streak, who last played for Zimbabwe on their tour to Bangladesh in February and March last year, has this week signed a contract to play for his country again - and cast doubt on his Warwickshire future.

Amiss revealed that the allrounder, who agreed a deal to play for the Bears until 2006 last summer, would miss only the end of this season to tour New Zealand if selected.

But his long-term prospects at Edgbaston could now come under the microscope when his future is discussed by the Warwickshire committee at a meeting tomorrow.

'We've had an e-mail from Heath's agent about his Zimbabwe decision and that information will be circulated to the management to see in what way it will affect us,' Amiss said.

'Heath has a contract with us that stipulates that international cricket comes first - we fully understand that.

'But it doesn't look as if he will miss too much action this season because of international call-ups as Zimbabwe only have a tour in September.

'However, ultimately, it's up to the cricket management and cricket committee to considerthe implications of his decision and what, if anything, we do.

'The club has a good relationship with Heath.

He enjoyed his time at the club last season and has indicated he wants to continue playing for Warwickshire for as long as he can. He already has a two-year contract and wanted to look even further ahead.'

Streak's decision to re-sign with Zimbabwe will fuel speculation that the Bears could now draft in a second overseas player to boost the bowling ranks.

But Amiss insists the club have no immediate plans to dip into the market.

'We are keeping our options open as regards the second overseas because we want to give the young bowlers at the club the opportunity to make an impact first,' he added.

However, that plan has suffered a blow with young seamer Naqaash Tahir ordered back home early from pre-season preparations in Australia.

The Birmingham-born 21year-old broke into the first team last summer and finished with an impressive 28 wickets to his name.

Tahir also picked up the club's bowling award at the annual AGM this week, with Ian Bell taking the batsman gong and Dougie Brown the all-rounder title.

Buthehasnowbeen forced to end prematurely a 10-week stay in Perth under the guidance of Warwickshire director of cricket John Inverarity with a back problem. He suffered a stress fracture three years ago and the symptoms appear to be worryingly similar.

'Tahir saw a specialist on Fridayand is booked in for scans this week. It is a concern but we should know more in the coming days,' admitted Amiss

CAPTION(S):

DOUBT: Heath Streak