Zim Test series is proving to be invaluable

Let's be honest, few things are less tantalising in international cricket these days than a Test series against Zimbabwe.

- Wesley Botton

The value being gained by the Proteas in Bulawayo cannot be bought, however, and the national team are making full use of this rare campaign.

Zimbabwe can't really be blamed for sliding as far as they have in international cricket, having won just three of their 30 Tests in the last 10 years.

The country's economic struggles have been well documented, and it's no surprise that focus is directed on more essential things than sport.

So as pleasing as it is that they still have a national team with Test status, they simply aren't going to be competitive without sufficient investment.

What value is there, then, for the world's best teams to travel to Zimbabwe for a Test series, knowing they will roll them over without much hassle?