Zimbabwe's hopes of returning to the Test cricket fold next year continue to rise, after New Zealand were given the green light by their own government to schedule a tour.

Zimbabwe's recent one-day international and Twenty20 performances have suggested a new-look team is beginning to improve - and New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan has spoken encouragingly about the possibility of a Test tour.

Following a meeting with Zimbabwe sports minister David Coltart, Vaughan said: "The tour by the BLACKCAPS in May 2011 was the principal topic of my discussion with Mr Coltart. However, we are also considering the possibility of other cricketing exchanges - such as the potential for a New Zealand A team to tour Zimbabwe at some stage in the near future."

He added: "I am aware that the Minister for Sport and Recreation, Murray McCully, had a positive meeting with Mr Coltart in Wellington earlier this week.

"It is clear from that meeting that our government's position is that they would not oppose the BLACKCAPS touring Zimbabwe next year."

Vaughan made it clear nonetheless that several more hurdles still have to be crossed before any series becomes a reality.

"It is important to stress that any tour by New Zealand cricket teams to Zimbabwe would need to be prefaced by full safety and security checks, which are standard practice for New Zealand Cricket," he added.

By Staff reporter and agencies