Flower is among the few established test players available to Zimbabwe following the retirement of several senior players during and after the 2003 World Cup.

The veteran batsman and steady slow left arm bowler broke his right-hand finger in a domestic match six weeks ago and will not be ready for duty until after the series which starts in Harare on Tuesday.

"I've still got a cast on my hand and I'll only be back for the one-dayers (which start on November 22)," Flower told Reuters on Sunday.

"I've been doing some one-handed batting and bowling in the nets. It's a very frustrating time but there's not a lot I can do about it except keep fit."

Flower's brother, batsman Andy, fast bowler Henry Olonga, batsman Alistair Campbell and all-rounder Guy Whittall all quit international cricket around the World Cup.

Captain and fast bowler Heath Streak's 55 caps make him by far the most experienced player in the Zimbabwe team named for the first Test.

The team is also likely to lean heavily on the relative experience of batsmen Stuart Carlisle, Craig Wishart and Trevor Gripper, left-arm spinner Ray Price and all-rounder Andy Blignaut.

Zimbabwe: Mark Vermeulen, Trevor Gripper, Stuart Carlisle, Craig Wishart, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Vusimuzi Sibanda, Tatenda Taibu, Andy Blignaut, Heath Streak (capt), Ray Price, Blessing Mahwire.