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ZIMBABWE have received some uplifting news after a disappointing Cricket World Cup campaign with the decision of their former legspinner Graeme Cremer to return to international cricket and indications that Dav Whatmore is close to completing talks about remaining as coach beyond the tournament.

After a combination of five defeats in their six World Cup matches, and the retirement of their captain Brendan Taylor from international cricket to pursue a county career with Nottinghamshire, Zimbabwe might feel that some good news is overdue.

Cremer (28) played 11 Tests and 43 ODIs until taking an indefinite break from the game two years ago. Advanced talks have been held about Cremer getting a winter contract, with a view to receiving a full contract when the next batch are awarded in August.

Alistair Campbell, the managing director of Zimbabwe Cricket, said: “I’ve spoken to him and he’s keen to come back so that should hopefully happen this off-season. I’m hopeful he’ll begin training with the national side when they come back from the World Cup.

“Formal contracts come up in August so he has got time to put the required effort in, try and get into the side and get some game-time and if he does that then he’ll definitely be up for a central contract when the time comes.

“But it’s not about just handing out contracts. I’m a firm believer that if you want to come back you need to show the powers-that-be and the new coach that you really want to be there.”

The return of Cremer will be welcomed after the lack of variety in Zimbabwe’s bowling attack was exposed during the World Cup. They conceded at least 285 in every innings, including 372 for 2 against the West Indies and 331 for 8 against Ireland. Cremer’s last game for Zimbabwe was against Bangladesh in April 2013 and, although his Test average is high, at 45.62, he has taken 300 first-class wickets.

Campbell hopes that other players could also follow Cremer’s example by returning.

“Zimbabwe Cricket is a viable future,” he said. “If you want to play international cricket and make a good career of it you’re going to get well remunerated for it and have the same sort of career as if you went and played elsewhere in the world,” he said. One player that Zimbabwe miss is the pace bowler Kyle Jarvis, who signed for Lancashire in 2013 but has failed to make an impact. “I think he’s found it tough there and had a few trials and tribulations,” Campbell said. Is there a chance of getting him back? “Of course, there’s always a chance.”

Meanwhile, Whatmore, initially appointed on a short-term deal until the end of the World Cup, is on the brink of agreeing a deal to remain as coach. “Discussions have been held and I’m hopeful they’ll be concluded pretty shortly,” Campbell said. — Cricinfo.