ZIMBABWE batsman Hamilton Masakadza has hailed the team’s support staff for their efforts in ensuring the players are well conditioned and ready for action.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail after the conclusion of the two-test series against West Indies in Bulawayo last week, Masakadza also called for more game time for Zimbabwe if the team is to improve.

“We have also been blessed to have a support staff that works tirelessly around the clock to give us extra throw downs and extra sessions within the team setup and outside of it,” he said.

“Having at least eight guys who can give you quality practice within the national team and A side set ups is not a luxury we have always had,” he said after the drawn second test which lasted five days.

The 34-year-old starred with the bat finishing the series as the highest run scorer with 251 runs at 62.75 with a highest score of 147 in the series West Indies won 1-0.

“The more competitive cricket we play the more we will develop and improve as a team and as individuals.

“The more we play against the big sides and more regularly the faster we will develop, especially in test cricket so I believe with more games we can really improve and become more dangerous as a test team,” he said.

This was Zimbabwe’s first test series since a one-off match against Sri Lanka in July this year.

Zimbabwe will play South Africa in a day-night four -day test match on Boxing Day as the International Cricket Council has put the new format under trial till the next World Cup in 2019.