Zimbabwe's cricket chief tried to persuade Andy Flower not to retire after this year's World Cup and denied suggestions that the team's former leading player had faced the sack over human rights protests.

Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) chairman Peter Chingoka, speaking at a news conference at Lord's shortly after the squad's arrival in England on Thursday, said he had wanted Flower to continue."We tried to hold on to Andy Flower, we offered him a two or three-year contract. That showed the goodwill on our part.

"But he had made the decision (to retire from international cricket) a long time ago."

A young and inexperienced Zimbabwe side arrived in England for a two-Test series and a triangular one-day tournament also involving South Africa.

The 35-year-old Flower, a world-class batsman averaging more than 50 in Tests, protested with team mate Henry Olonga against alleged human rights abuses in Zimbabwe by wearing black armbands during the World Cup.

More protests by activists against President Robert Mugabe's government are expected during the current tour of England. Flower and Olonga retired from international cricket after the World Cup. Flower is playing for English county side Essex while Olonga, who refused to return to Zimbabwe citing fears for his safety, is also in England, on a short-term contract as a commentator.

Chingoka added that Olonga, the first black cricketer to represent Zimbabwe, had also not been squeezed out of the team because of his stance. Olonga played in just two World Cup games, but Chingoka said he had been dropped because of poor form and the rapid emergence of all rounder Andy Blignaut.

Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak said: "There have been voids left by experienced players who left us, like Andy Flower, but teams go through this phase of rebuilding.

"We have a new-look side. It's going to be tough for us. Hopefully we can rise to the occasion.

"I'm confident that we will be competitive. We have a fantastic base of talent."

Chingoka added that there was no ill-feeling between Zimbabwe and England following England's decision to boycott their World Cup match in Harare earlier this year over security concerns. At one stage the issue appeared to threaten the current tour.

"The matter is now history," Chingoka said.

The opening Test, the first to be staged at Durham's Riverside ground, is due to begin on May 22.

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