Chief Cricket Writer George Dobell finds the Bears' captain in bullish mood...

The pieces of the jigsaw are starting to fall into place. With Heath Streak now confirmed as captain for the next couple of years and Mark Greatbatch settling in as director of coaching, Warwickshire have laid the foundations for the next chapter in their history.

There are still important issues to be settled. The identity of the Second XI coach, the Academy director and the policy towards overseas players is yet to be confirmed and while Stuart Robertson remains the overwhelming favourite to succeed Dennis Amiss as chief executive, it has yet to be decided.

But the key cricketing positions are now filled, allowing a glimpse into the future. So far, Warwickshire have chosen well, ensuring that a difficult period of change has been bridged with minimum disruption.

The new coach and captain have much in common. Experienced cricketers, welltravelled family men and intelligent, calm individuals, their regime promises much.

Talking exclusively to The Post yesterday, the new captain, Heath Streak, stressed his commitment to Warwickshire, but declined to rule out the possibility of playing for Zimbabwe in the future. He also hinted at a change of policy towards overseas players.

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Streak is, as yet, unsure whether he will be registered as a Kolpak or overseas player. "It's up to the club," he said. " It makes little difference to me. I guess the club would be able to sign two more overseas players if I was a Kolpak signing, but I think that's an unlikely scenario. At present, I don't know if we will sign even one more overseas player.

"I've always thought there is merit in having two overseas players. So long as you choose the right individuals, it works very well.

"If the players are available for a substantial part of the season, then the team stability is not compromised and the experience of a player who has played international cricket can be a great asset.

"A successful club has a pyramid structure. Success at the top brings financial repercussions and leads to greater investment in the Academy and grassroots cricket."

The decision to walk away from Zimbabwe cricket is one that Streak confesses he has had to think "long and hard" about.

"It's disappointing I've had to put my international career on hold. It's been stressful here [in Zimbabwe] and this decision has been the culmination of a lot of things. It has been so volatile here and there just isn't any stability," he said.

"It's difficult. I learnt my trade in Zimbabwe and, after more than a decade playing for the team, there is a deep attachment.

"They are facing a fight to stay in the international arena and I know there are those who say this is a terrible time to be leaving them.

"Some of the Zimbabwe players I'm close to have contacted me to say they're disappointed with my decision but they understand the reasons and respect them.

"I'm looking at it as if I've retired, but I'd like to think my international career isn't over. Warwickshire is definitely my priority now, but if my body can take the workload, I could even play for Zimbabwe during the English winters. The World Cup of 2007 has to be a possibility if it doesn't encroach on the county season.

"It just depends on whether Zimbabwe still want me. I'm not sure what their reaction to this will be.

"I'm certainly not worried about repercussions or anything like that. I've never been a political person and this isn't a political decision; it's what's best for my family.

"I want to help Zimbabwe, whether it's playing or coaching and I do feel I can help develop their younger players but my first priority must be to my family and, by signing for two years with Warwickshire, I've safeguarded our personal interests.

"Financially, signing for Warwickshire is quite good. I've really enjoyed my time at Warwickshire. I feel I've had some success there and when I left at the end of last season, I knew it was something I'd like to pursue. The dressing room is a great place and I'm excited about returning to captain a club with a great history.

"Zimbabwe will still be my home. I'm not too involved in the day-to-day running of the family farm, but we do have our home here and that will continue. I'll be like a swallow, following the sun from summer to summer.

"I know Mark Greatbatch a bit and I'm looking forward to working with him.

"We've a tough act to follow. Nick Knight and John Inverarity brought success to the club, but I'm fortunate in that I have a good support structure. Nick, Dougie Brown and Michael Powell - the senior players - are all still there to help me and that will be a major advantage.

"I'll be back in Birmingham at least a month before the season starts and I'm already excited about it. Team-mates, the club officials and the supporters have always been very good to me and I'm honoured to be captain."