Geoff Marsh and Bruce Reid, two former Australian international cricketers, have joined forces to form an experienced new coaching axis for Zimbabwe's first Test tour of Australia.

Marsh, Zimbabwe's coach since October 2001, has linked up with his former Western Australian teammate to help prepare the squad for its demanding two Test match tour.

Zimbabwe plays Australia in Perth and Sydney.

The Marsh-Reid connection stretches back to successful Sheffield Shield campaigns for Western Australia in the 1980s and early 1990s, when the pair were integral members of four Shield-winning teams.

Reid, a left-arm fast bowler, played 27 Tests and 61 Limited Overs Internationals for Australia.

Both made their Test debuts in the same game against India in 1985-86 and both featured in Australia's World Cup-winning team against England at Calcutta in 1987-88.

"Playing conditions at the WACA [Western Australia Cricket Association] and the SCG [Sydney Cricket Ground] are very different and very demanding of a player's technique, whether batting or bowling," Marsh said. "With a tight playing schedule, there is little time to acclimatise, so it is important that the coaching team is highly experienced in those conditions. Bruce will help the bowlers come to terms with the bounce at the WACA as well as the turn they are likely to encounter at the SCG. I will obviously be doing the same for the batters."

Marsh and Reid will be part of a Zimbabwe management team for the tour that includes former captain Babu Meman (manager), Shane Cloete (assistant coach and analyst), Brad Robinson (physiotherapist), and Mark Harrison (media manager).