Australia is well placed to complete a whirlwind victory on the final day of the two-day cricket match against Zimbabwe A.

Keen to go into the first Test after a solid hit-out, the world champions will resume on 1-151, needing just one more run to take a first innings lead, with Justin Langer on 79 and captain Ricky Ponting on one.

Langer and opening partner Matthew Hayden (61) combined to put on 138 for the first wicket after Australia's bowlers ripped through the home side for 151 in under two sessions.

Jason Gillespie was the pick of the bowlers with 4-25, while fellow quick Michael Kasprowicz took 2-26 and legpsinner Shane Warne 2-14.

Australia is likely to give its middle order some time with the bat to ensure the whole team gets some quality practice before the first Test, starting on Saturday.

But the same cannot be said for Zimbabwe, which was thrashed in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Bulawayo and is yet to finalise its squad to take on the world No.1 team.

The Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) hopes to hold talks with the country's rebel players on Wednesday in a bid to encourage them to end their boycott and return to the Test team.

International Cricket Council chief executive Malcolm Speed, who flew into Harare, also hopes to meet with the two parties as the sport's governing body is concerned Test cricket's integrity could be threatened if the African nation continues to suffer massive defeats.

Time is running out for the rebels to return in time to play Australia, as the ZCU is likely to announce its team for the first Test on Wednesday.

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