Zimbabwe's leading run scorer Andy Flower arrived in Australia on Thursday to play state cricket and said he held out little hope of a swift return to his homeland.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Flower, who averages more than 50 in tests, joined teammate Henry Olonga in wearing black armbands to "mourn the death of democracy" in Zimbabwe during the World Cup in southern Africa earlier this year.

"There was no chance really to go back to Zimbabwe and there won't be for a while," Flower, 35, told reporters in Adelaide where he will play for South Australia this season.

Flower and Olonga have retired from the international game following their protests against President Robert Mugabe, who is battling international isolation over accusations of human rights and other abuses in Zimbabwe.

Former Zimbabwe captain Flower, who scored 4,794 runs at 51.54 in 63 tests, said: "I don't think it would be the smartest thing for either of us (he and Olonga) to go back at the moment."

The timing of his arrival in Adelaide is a painful reminder for Zimbabwe that they are without their top player. Captain Heath Streak's side begin their two-test series against Australia in Perth later on Thursday.

"...I have strong feelings for the country and I hope things turn around there. A lot of the decisions being made there at the moment by the hierarchy are poor decisions," Flower said.

Fast bowler Olonga and Flower

were awarded honorary life membership of the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) in London on Wednesday.

"They sacrificed their international careers...to take a brave and principled stand against an appalling regime," incoming MCC president Charles Fry said in a statement.

The MCC said it hoped future political changes in Zimbabwe would lead to Flower and Olonga resuming their international careers.

Flower signed a new two-year contract with English county Essex last month as an overseas-qualified player.

Olonga, 27, who went into hiding after the World Cup amid reports the Zimbabwean secret police were looking for him, has spent the last six months in England on a work permit, playing club cricket and doing TV commentary.

"He's a very talented guy so he will always be okay whether it's in cricket or not," Flower said.

Meanwhile AFP adds from London, Olonga was on Wednesday granted a five-year visa to remain in Britain.

"I'm not sure if and when I'll return to Zimbabwe. If the current regime stays in power, then I've got no chance," said Olonga, who is now planning a musical career.

"If things were to change, it may well be that I won't stay here all that time -- but I will plan my life as if I'm going to be here for those five years."

Olonga is due to undergo knee surgery later this month and believes he may never play first-class cricket again.

"I've torn about a square centimetre of cartilage which is floating around in my knee," he told the BBC Sport website.