Nameless cricketer 'considering protest' over Zimbabwe tour

One of New Zealand's cricketers due to tour Zimbabwe has expressed his worries about Robert Mugabe's regime and is considering a symbolic protest.

Zimbabwe's first black test cricketer and now human rights campaigner Henry Olonga would not name the player yesterday, but said one had spoken to him at the English club they both played for.

Three New Zealanders who have played at Lashings this year will be involved in the test or one-day tri-series in Zimbabwe: Chris Cairns and the Marshall twins, Hamish and James. Cairns has, through his manager, previously declined to comment about the tour and has not returned calls. Hamish Marshall did not comment after being approached through a Lashings official.

Mr Olonga, who will help to lead a rally against the Black Caps' tour in Auckland tomorrow, declined to name the player he had spoken with but said he was concerned.

"He's horrified about what's happening in Zimbabwe and wants to help, and to show some kind of symbolism."

Two international players, Australia's Stuart MacGill and England's Steve Harmison, refused to tour Zimbabwe last year on moral grounds.

Mr Olonga and former Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower had to flee the country after wearing black armbands to "mourn the death of democracy" there during the 2003 World Cup.

Although that has been proposed as a possible protest the New Zealand cricketers might consider, chief executive Martin Snedden said any decision would be left to individuals.

But he believed they should be cautious.