Australia set for Zimbabwe return

Australia will play up to five one-day internationals in 13 days in a tri-series with Zimbabwe and South Africa in their first trip to the country in more than a decade.

Zimbabwe Cricket has confirmed dates and venues for the tour which will be the Australia men's team's only engagement over the winter between the recently completed World T20 and Test tour against Pakistan in the UAE in October.

All the matches of the triangular series will be played at the Harare Sports Club, with the first between Zimbabwe and Australia scheduled for August 25.

Zimbabwe and South Africa will play a Test match in the capital in early August before the two teams play three ODI matches at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. They will then return to the capital where they will be met by Australia for a tournament that features seven games in 13 days.

Australia will play two ODIs against each nation, with a potential fifth should Australia reach the final on September 6.

"We are really excited to have the opportunity to host two strong sides like Australia and South Africa at the same time," said ZC managing director Wilfred Mukondiwa.

"Our players need the high-level competition the two teams will provide, and our fans will enjoy watching the matches."

Zimbabwe's Test with South Africa will be their first since September 2013 when they split a two-Test series against Pakistan. Zimbabwe Cricket has been beset by problems of late. The country's domestic Twenty20 tournament was hit by strikes after the players weren't paid by the national board.

The board owes $US15 million ($A17 million) to a local bank and has applied to the ICC for another loan of $US3 million.

Zimbabwe's WT20 team failed to advance from the group stage after losing to Ireland but did enjoy victories over the Netherlands and UAE.

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Australia last toured Zimbabwe in May 2004, winning the three-match series three-nil (pictured above). Darren Lehmann, now head coach, scored 67 runs and took 4-7 from 4.3 overs in the second game.

The two countries have not met on the field since the group stages of the 2011 World Cup in Ahmedabad, India, and have not played a Test since October 2003 in Sydney.

Broadcast details for the tour have not yet been finalised with negotiations continuing between broadcasters and Zimbabwe Cricket, who have the rights to sell, continuing.

Australia Tour Schedule

Monday, Aug 25 1st ODI: Zimbabwe v Australia

Wednesday, Aug 27 2nd ODI: South Africa v Australia

Friday, Aug 29 3rd ODI: Zimbabwe v South Africa

Sunday, Aug 31 4th ODI: Zimbabwe v Australia

Tuesday Sept 2 5th ODI: South Africa v Australia

Thursday Sept 4 6th ODI: Zimbabwe v South Africa

Saturday Sept 6 Final