The place used to be called "Gubuluwayo" -- the place of killing. But in a greatly different context the New Zealand cricket captain Stephen Fleming referred to it as somewhere to kill time in, while trying to preserve his team's killer instinct.

He had polished off the Zimba-bweans in under two days of the first Test in Harare and then under three in the city of (former) warriors.

India might find themselves facing the same dilemma when their time for Tests comes around against the youthful and inexperienced Zimbabweans.

They will certainly note a downtrodden populace in the country's second city, who have no fuel for vehicles, staple foods are generally unobtainable except on the black market and a heavy security presence.

For a long period last week there was no running water, not even in some hotels.

The conversation generally centres on shortages, inflation well over 300 per cent, house robberies and queues.

It is a stark contrast to Indian talk, which is mainly about whether Sachin Tendulkar will be fit to play or whether Sourav Ganguly will recover his lost form.

But this is still not a forbidding place. It retains, in many ways, a gung-ho spirit. And once inside the walls and gates of Queens Sports Club, it is just like any other sporting and drinking place.

Another difference the India team will be reminded about, is that instead of crowds numbering tens of team will be reminded about, is that instead of crowds numbering tens of thousands, they will note spectators in mere hundreds, scattered among the small stands and on banks below the trees.

There has been some confusion here whether India will arrive in Harare at mid-day tomorrow Tuesday, onwarding to Bulawayo from there, or fly directly from Johannesburg.

Either way they will have little time to prepare for the imminent tri-nation tournament against the Kiwis and Zimbabwe.

The former have been here three weeks adjusting to climate, environment and pitches. They have also enjoyed sampling the magnificent Victoria Falls and played some golf (rather badly apparently) among the locals.

The New Zealanders have also showed strength in depth on the cricket field, both batting and bowling, not least the spectacular recovery of Shane Bond following 27 months out of the game with back problems. Now they have welcomed one-day specialists including Chris Cairns and Craig McMillan to the squad.

India will go right into the deep end against them at Bulawayo on Friday. It will be quite a baptism to the tournament.

At least they will be able to make some rapid assessments by watching the first match on Wednesday between the home side and the Kiwis.

These two sides are playing a glorified match Monday following "kill time" practising on the Queens Sports Club grounds.

This time in the year in Zimbabwe is inclined to be windy and warm, so some great cricket is in prospects.