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There have been a series of interviews with Zimbabwean players and coach Robin Brown in the run-up to the first ODI against Pakistan, so let's take a look at the highlights.

Speaking to CricInfo, Brown talks about the good and the bad of his side's loss to Patron's XI in the opening tour match:

"Yes, we lost by a big margin but we managed to get a lot out of it. I think a result was the only thing we failed to achieve because our bowlers got a chance to spend time bowling to good opposition under new conditions. Our batsmen, even though only a couple went past fifty, spent time in the middle and adjusted to the low bounce and slowness that is the subcontinent pitch. It's a learning process, whether it's accompanied by a win or a loss." [...] "Players need to own up, they need to take responsibility [for their performances]. They all know how vital they are to the team's cause. We have done away with the 'senior' tag so be it a debutant, or someone whose played over fifty matches, they are all equally responsible."

He also talks about the work that's been done to help rebuild the side after the turmoil of recent years, and of the new levels of support the side have been getting from ZC:

"Rebuilding is a gradual process, especially when you have a young side with limited international experience. When we set about the process, we took players to nets to work on basics. Batsmen need to put their feet in the right places, play balls on merit and learn how to spend time at the crease. Bowlers were given a channel to bowl in. We worked at those basics for six-seven hours a day for six weeks. Players had a set routine. They knew what they would be doing two weeks ahead. There is a set plan now in place for every member and that has helped immensely."

"The board is working with the players now. We have a lot of talent and the board has realised that and invested time, effort and money into it."

Captain Prosper Utseya was confident about the side's chances against Pakistan:

"We are young in age but a few of our players have played over 50 ODIs and with victories over Australia and West Indies behind us, we are in a positive frame of mind and in a confident mood."

On Zimbabwe's possible Test return, there are hopeful noises coming from several members of the Zimbabwe set-up. In an earlier CricInfo interview, Brown had hinted that the return may not be as far away as many seem to think, while Ray Price (speaking to Cricket365) indicated that the May series against India was being considered:

"I know we are trying to start playing Test cricket again in May when India comes. But obviously our board will decide whether we are ready to go back. We are very positive about ourselves. Recently we had a very good tour of South Africa where we won all four games. We have won some good matches in recent months. We need more four-day games to give more time in the middle to our batters and bowlers."

ZC Chairman Peter Chingoka wasn't being drawn on the issue, however - as part of a wide-ranging interview (again with CricInfo) that's well worth reading in full, he simply stated that:

"As soon as we believe we are ready, we will let the ICC know."

Lots of links below - I'd recommend reading them all, as there are some good little tidbits buried within that I don't have time to reproduce here.
CricInfo - The importance of being earnest | 'We are in a positive frame of mind' - Utseya | Brown eyes Zimbabwe Test return | 'Zimbabwe will return as soon as they are ready'
Cricket365 - Zim Hopes for Return to Test Cricket