Zimbabwe coach Geoff Marsh will play against his own team when the Africans begin their tour of Australia next month, giving him a unique opportunity to see how his players perform on the field.

Marsh, a former Australia vice-captain, accepted an invitation to play for the Australian Cricket Board Chairman's XI in the traditional 50-overs-a-side tour opener in Perth on October 1.

Marsh's son Shaun was also picked in the locals' side along with current Australian test players Adam Gilchrist, Justin Langer, Damien Martyn and Brad Hogg.

Zimbabwe will play a three-day first-class match against Western Australia in Perth from October 3-5 before facing the world champions in two Tests.

The opening Test will be played at the WACA from October 9-13 with the second in Sydney from October 17-21.

The Zimbabweans will then return to Australia in January to play in a triangular limited-overs series which also includes India.

Australian Cricket Board Chairman's XI: Jo Angel, Ryan Campbell, Adam Gilchrist, Brad Hogg, Michael Hussey, Justin Langer, Geoff Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Damien Martyn, Colin Miller, Brad Williams, Peter Worthington.