Harare — IT might be a slow process to some and others might choose not to see it but it's clear that Zimbabwe Cricket has emerged from the woods and it can only get stronger now.

Even key partners, like Cricket South Africa, are beginning to realise that and are now willing to see Zimbabwe make a quick return to Test cricket.

The two countries have now committed themselves to work on a three-year project to help the game find its feet again in this country.

Reports from South Africa indicate that South Africa and Zimbabwe Cricket will work together on a three-year plan that will form the mainstay of this country's ambitious plan to return to the Test arena.

Zimbabwe withdrew form playing Test cricket in 2005 after a major revolt by the players against the board at the height of stormy battles for control of the game.

But Zimbabwe has slowly been taking steps back to normalcy and, even the harshest critics of Zimbabwe Cricket have been acknowledging as such.

Veteran cricket writer Neil Manthorp's analysis of the situation was probably the best.

"People who look for symbolism in the most straight forward and simple things are often clutching at straws and displaying signs of desperation," he wrote this week.

"Sometimes things are just what they are. A good example of this was the sixth-wicket partnership of 188 between Stuart Matsikenyeri and Tatenda Taibu at Willowmore Park on Sunday.

"Was it symbolic of the rebirth of Zimbabwean cricket, or was it just two spunky cricketers doing their best against hopeless odds and superior opponents?

"In this case, maybe, it just might have been a bit of both. On the field the Zimbabwean team has displayed an unmistakable new determination in recent months but the background to their rediscovered spirit can be found off the field and behind the scenes.

"Peter Chingoka is an experienced political negotiator but he now represents Zimbabwe Cricket in a non-executive capacity -- honorary to all intents and purposes -- which means that the players whom he clashed with have no reason to mistrust him.

"Ozias Bvute, who also lost the trust of many players for a while, is the 'hands-on' chief executive of ZC but has gone out of his way to ensure that the players know he will not play a role, official or unofficial, in selection or playing affairs.

"Things could hardly be more different to how they were for the last five or six years. Believe it or not, it hardly matters to the Zimbabwean team that their skin colour is now inconsequential and quotas have been abolished."

Bvute and Cricket South Africa chief executive Gerald Majola met on Monday in Johannesburg to discuss various issues relating to Zimbabwe.

"The plan, which targets grassroots cricket up to the national team, and the administration of Zimbabwe cricket, will now be work-shopped by CSA's cricket committee, the chief executive's committee and will finally make its way to the CSA board meeting next February for final ratification," Majola said.

"We had a constructive session yesterday and now we look forward to gaining further insight before presenting the three-year plan to the board. Both boards are determined to find a successful and sustainable structure for Zimbabwe cricket."

Bvute is hopeful that the three-year plan would work wonders for Zimbabwe Cricket.

"We are happy with the progress made with input from both parties. We shared ideas and looked for ways that will positively impact Zimbabwe Cricket," said the ZC chief.

"We are confident that jointly we will come up with a long term solution."

Chingoka said they were willing to learn from South Africa and capitalise on the talent that is in Zimbabwe to make a better future for the game.

"Zimbabwe has a wealth of cricket talent and we want to turn them into stars," said Chingoka.

"Cricket South Africa have strong development structures and we look forward to learning from them as we continue unearthing the stars of the future."