BANGLADESH ARRIVE IN ZIM

The Bangladesh cricket team arrived last night for one test match and five One Day internationals to be played in Harare and Bulawayo starting next week.

 The Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan said the weather conditions were going to play a major part in their quest for victory. If they win, the victory will be their first on Zimbabwean soil. In an exclusive interview with OFF THE CREASE upon their arrival at the Harare International Airport, he said they hoped to adapt to the Zimbabwean weather conditions as soon as possible. He said it was important for them to do so if they were to entertain any chances of winning.

“The weather will be a factor and since we will be playing a practice game I am hoping the boys will adapt to the Zimbabwean weather conditions as soon as possible, hopefully before the first Test,” he said.  “Since we haven’t played test cricket in 14 months and we haven’t played in Zimbabwe in close to a year and half it will be important for us to understand what the weather has in store for us.”

Responding to a question on Bangladesh’s chances against the host, Al Hasan said there was a lot at stake for both sides considering both teams have been absent from the Test arena for some time. Zimbabwe has been out for six years while the visitors have missed the action for only a year and two months. “We haven’t played Test for fourteen month we had quite a break, it won’t be easy for any of the teams but we are obviously here to win it, we have prepared enough and I am sure Zimbabwe has been working really hard so its game on for us ” he said.

He also noted that the he had faith in his seam attack to be led by the less experienced Shafiul Islam .”The conditions here don’t favor spin that much so the fast bowlers will have to prove themselves and I can assure you I have faith in my seamers” he said.

Bangladesh team:Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Tamim Iqbal (vc), Imrul Kayes, Junaid Siddique, Mohammad Ashraful, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Abdur Razzak, Shafiul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Nazmul Hossain, Shahriar Nafees, Robiul Islam, Shuvagoto Hom, Nasir Hossain.
Reserves: Naeem Islam, Suhrawadi Shuvo, Alok Kopali, Syed Rasel, Sahagir Hossain

ZIM BOWLERS FACE THE WRATH OF AUSSIE BATSMEN

…as Australia take charge on Day Two

By LAWRENCE TRUSIDA

 Zimbabwe XI resumed from an overnight total of 250 for five to 300 all out in a four day match against Australia A in Harare. The visitors, who are leading the series one nil bowled out the host and went in to bat closing day two on 282 for no loss.

The odds turned around on the Zimbabwe XI team when Australia’s bowling attack led by the ever enterprising Peter Siddle tore them apart. Day one had ended good for the hosts as they seemed to be in control with their 250 for five, captain Brendon Taylor had top scored with 85 while Hamilton Masakadza had played a well crafted innings of 64 runs.

Regis Chakabva and Raymond Price were at the crease when play resumed, it must be noted however that the wonder boy of the first match Elton Chigumbura who had scored a century did not do much to trouble the scorers. The bottom order followed their former skipper as they only managed to add only fifty runs to their overnight total.

The tenacious Siddle wrecked the middle and lower order with the new ball eventually retaining impressive figures of four wickets for 45 runs. Trent Copeland and Luke Butterworth provided the much needed support claiming two scalps each.

The hard hitting David Warner nicknamed ‘Cannon’   hit 150 runs from 235 balls, he was ably supported by fellow opener Aaron Finch who was also unbeaten on 122 runs as the Australians took control at the close of play. They posted a first wicket stand of 282 leaving them trailing by a mere  18 runs to Zimbabwe’s total.

Warner’s knock included 17 fours and 2 huge sixes and he was supported by Finch who contributed 122 runs as the hosts could not find a way through a batting side had answers to their short pitched deliveries.

None of the bowlers were in the fighting groove as the usually reliable Christopher Mpofu was guilty of giving away too many short balls. It however must be said that he failed to find his mark although he was easily the peak of the bowlers. He conceded 46 runs after bowling 15 overs and one maiden.

On his return to international cricket Kyle Jarvis found the going tough. He had spent more than a year in the doldrums; he was expected to do better as he is arguably the fastest bowler currently.  Jarvis who was playing his game in England for Essex’s second stringers the past county season gave away 57 runs in 10 0vers accumulating an economy rate of above five.

BANGLADESH NAME TOURING SQUAD TO ZIM

..as the tour receives mixed feelings world over...

The Bangladesh cricket board announced a fifteen man squad to tour the southern African republic cricketing nation, Zimbabwe. The two teams are set to square up in a one off Test match in Zimbabwe’s beginning of next month.

Critics have been quoted as saying this tour was a waste of resources from the mother body the ICC. A very reliable source from the ICC administration told OFF The CREASE how they saw this battle as a potential thriller. “ I think the best cricket will be played in Zimbabwe, because the visitors are looking at getting their confidence back while the hosts will be trying to reclaim their stake in world cricket” said the source who preferred to remain anonymous.

“These two countries have been dubbed the whipping boys of international cricket but I think we will be proved wrong, it has happened before and I think Bangladesh in particular mean business” added the source. “From my limited understanding I hear Zimbabwe have been working hard although their display recently in one day cricket leaves a lot to be desired” he said

Some sectors in the cricketing world believe it is a waste of resources. Another source from England who also preferred to comment on the grounds of anonymity said there wasn’t much to expect from these two teams.” It’s definitely a waste of time, if I may ask who stands to benefit. The players, the TV crews or the Cricket Union of Zimbabwe and Bangla (Bangladesh) Board? Lets be realistic, no one in those teams has what it takes to play Test cricket” said the source.

Back home, most are looking forward to a thriller and will be hoping to see Zimbabwe get back to Test cricket in style. “Its on, I want to see Zimbabwe doing well and I know they will do good and make us proud” said a staunch supporter of the Brendon Taylor led Zimbabwe team, Stacey Kelly.

Zimbabwe are currently taking on the Australian A side in Harare and have displayed some great composure both on the ball and bat with Vusi Sibanda leading from the front while Tino Mawoyo, Elton Chigumbura, Brian Vitori are playing the much needed support in all departments.

Meanwhile ninteen year-old Nasir Hossain,  earned his first call-up to the Bangladesh side after the BCB announced a 15-member squad for the Zimbabwe tour. Mohammad Ashraful has been preferred over Raqibul Hasan in the squad, which also includes another uncapped player Shuvagoto Hom.

The announcement came two days after BCB chief Mustafa Kamal received the names of the selected players from chief selector Akram Khan, who had called for a change in the process which allows the board's technical committee to discuss the selectors' choices.

Considered for the ODI series alongside Shuvagoto, Nasir is being propped up for a role in the lower middle-order, according to Akram, while Shuvagoto will be tested at the No. 4 position, a spot that has been Bangladesh's scourge.

"Nasir has a bright future and we have picked him and Shuvagoto for the ODI series," Akram said. "I think he is far ahead of all the other good allrounders and we have considered him for his positive frame of mind."

Predictably, Ashraful and Junaid Siddique made comebacks, though both played Bangladesh's previous Test match in England last year. Ashraful showed poor form during the 2011 World Cup and was dropped for the Australia ODIs in April. "We considered both Ashraful and Raqibul for the same position and I think Ashraful won the spot for his experience and some good knocks in South Africa (for Bangladesh A earlier this year)," Akram said.

The squad will be led by Shakib Al Hasan, with Tamim Iqbal as vice-captain. Former captain and fast bowler Mashrafe Mortaza, who had another knee surgery in May, is undergoing rehabilitation and continues to miss out.

Bangladesh are visiting Zimbabwe for one Test and five ODIs. The tour starts with a three-day game against a Zimbabwe XI from July 30.

Squad: Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Tamim Iqbal (vc), Imrul Kayes, Junaid Siddique, Mohammad Ashraful, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Abdur Razzak, Shafiul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Nazmul Hossain, Shahriar Nafees, Robiul Islam, Shuvagoto Hom, Nasir Hossain

AUSTRALIA GAIN GROUND ON DAY THREE

Zimbabwe XI trail Australia ‘A’ by 75 runs at the close of play on day three of a four day match played at Country Club in Harare on Sunday. Australia made a first innings 209 run lead after chasing down a target of 206 set by the home side.

Australia continued with magnificent batting spell were Phillip Hughes made 125 runs off 204 deliveries while captain Tim Paine came two runs short of a century off 161 balls. Cullum Ferguson played aggressively to produce 56 runs off 86 balls before failing to deal with a Malcolm Waller delivery, eventually making his way to back to the pavilion. Notable contributions came from opener David Warner who managed 48 runs and Tim Copeland who chipped in with a valuable 32.

The pick of the bowlers for Zimbabwe on day three was Brian Vitori who claimed four scalps after conceding 86 runs in 22 overs. Tendai Chatara played a supportive roll as he picked up two wickets for 93 at an economy rate of 4.8 while the former captain Elton Chigumbura managed two wickets for 96 runs. Tuskers’ all-rounder Keegan Meth and Waller claimed a wicket each concluding the Australian innings on a total of 439 all out.

Zimbabwe had lost three wickets at the close of play with Tino Mawoyo and Vusi Sibanda failing to surpass the forty run mark. Wicketkeeper Regis Chakabva fell to a Jason Krejza delivery on 40 off 79, leaving Zimbabwe on 134 runs. Masakadza and Meth were at the crease at the close of play on 31 and 14 runs respectively.

A MICROSCOPIC VIEW OF THE TRI SERIES

 @Zim Cricket

Chris Bobby Mpofu in action earlier on in his career                  

The Coca Cola Tri Series came and it’s gone although it is one we would like to erase from our so ever quickly, there is a few positives we drew from it. There were however top cricketers who did not really rise to the occasion even though the we failed to produce the desired result as a team. So let’s take a closer look at how the individuals’ players did this series.

1) BEST BOWLER

Prosper Utseya, He took 9 wickets to be the top Wicket taker so far (Equal with Australia's Hastings). His performances were made even sweater as large sections of the fans didn't see him as a wicket taker; in fact, many don't wish to see him in the test side, but he seems to have answered these doubters.

2) BEST BATSMAN

Regis Chakabva, He is the highest scoring Zimbabwean bat of the series with 142 runs. These runs were scored at an average of 35.5 and despite his failure in the first match, he came back to be our most consistent bat. He also showed a great ability to read the game-he was able to play slowly and score runs when all around him were losing their wickets and he was able to score fast in the last game against SAA, where a bonus point was required for progression to the final. What he needs to do now is reach his potential, where he scores 40s and 30s, Taibu was scoring 50s and 70s.

3) DISAPPOINTING BOWLER

Ray Price, he went for runs and failed to pick up a wicket, leaving the more pessimistic to ask if his age has caught up with him. If we'd gotten in the final and Ray was fit, he probably would have gotten a bagful. He's still a top bowler despite the disappointing few games.

4) DISAPPOINTING BATSMAN

No, it's not Elton Chigumbura, it's Craig Ervine- He's ultimately to blame for both our losses against South Africa A. A few runs from him in the middle order-as is reasonable to expect, and we would have won. Unfortunately all he did was dither and fail-innings after innings. He needs to pick his game up again otherwise when guys like Taibu, Duffin and Mawoyo come back, he would be the man to make way (Well, such would be the case if selectors were little bit considerate).

5) MOST PERPLEXING PLAYER

 Elton Chigumbura. While any other player (well, most of them-it is the ZC we're talking about here) would have been dropped for such poor/dodgy performances with bat and ball, Elton's hung in there despite 3 series' poor performances so, it would be fair to congratulate him for not only his resilience, but his influence-how else could he be managing to stay in the team? Better players like Hamilton and similar players like Chibhabha have been dropped yet he stays in there. But, it's not all doom and gloom and it's largely not his fault. He began to improve his bowling-in fact; it got better with every game! So, surely he can get in the team on his bowling alone? NOPE! Chatara, Vitori, Mushange, Nicholson etc are better bowlers and would give us better 10 overs. So to warrant a place in the team Elton has to be the ALLROUNDER-he has to bat well. Which he's still failing to do, something which was compounded by his golden duck in the last game against the Proteas second stringers where a few runs would have helped us get across the finish line, and bag the bonus point, he could even have taken his time and played himself in-we were quite ahead of the run rate, yet he went out to slog and got bowled.The general belief is that he has too much experience and skill for such mediocrity.

6) (PLEASANT) SURPRISE PACKAGE

 Brian Vitalis Vitori. He should have been in from the start after his performances in the practice games. GIVE HIM MORE GAMES!

7) MOST CONSISTANT PLAYER

Chris Mpofu, Give the man a medal. He's turned into a premier seamer! If we only had a replica “Magwegwe Express” to open the bowling from both ends we would certainly be a different team wouldn’t we be?...

The analysis was a well magnified look at the events and performances done in conjunction with one of our biggest followers and friends on our facebook page, Cricket Zimbabwe.

AUSTRALIA CLINCH TRI SERIES

Australia A won the closely contested Coca Cola Tri series final against South Africa A yesterday in Harare. A high powered 206 run first wicket partnership ensured they prevailed over their opponents by six wickets.

Australia won the toss and elected to bat, posting a total of 294 runs for the loss of five wickets. The opening pair of David Warner and Test specialist Phillip Hughes made sure the innings had a healthy backbone as it posted a total 206 runs. Hughes top scored with 138 runs after facing the same number of deliveries before he was bowled by Veron Philander while Warner fell to Reolof van De Merwe for 120 runs off 127 deliveries.

John Hastings was promoted up the ladder but that move however back fired as he also fell victim to Van De Merwe for just two runs so did Mitch Marsh who managed only five runs. Aaron Finch managed to score twenty runs off thirteen deliveries with Tim Paine and Luke Butterworth remaining not out to conclude the Australian Innings.

Van De Merwe was the pick of the South African bowlers with figures of three for 58 while Rusty Theron and Philander picked up a wicket each.

Jacques Rudolph started the proceedings for the South Africans with a well crafted 90 runs off 97 balls while his opening partner Jonathan Vandiar only made 16 runs. The top order failed to put a meaningful score with Rudolph running out of partners, Vaughn van Jaarsveld came in at five and provided the much needed stability in the middle of the Proteas batting order. Their fifth wicket partnership yielded 53 runs, just as they were starting to trouble the Australian attack Marsh provided the breakthrough at the 25^th over.

The South African lower order did not do much to trouble the scorers. Notable scores came from Philander who made 22 runs off 35 deliveries while Roory Kleinveldt provided what was arguably the furthest six of the tournament off the bowling off Marsh eventually making 32 runs off just 19 deliveries. The match was pretty much concluded here with Theron and Alexandra failing to take the series home with just seven runs required.  

The bowling was topped by all rounder Marsh who retained figures of four wickets for 56 runs with Lyon picking up three scalps for 55 runs. Lyon was named the man of the series after he picked up a total of eleven wickets for 183 runs in five matches while Rudolph was the top run scorer. 




  THECHAMPIONS   @Jekesai                                                                               

AUSSIES SEEK REVENGE

Australia A will be hoping to revenge their senior team’s 2011 World cup loss to the Proteas, when the two A sides meet today in the of the Coca Cola tri series final in Harare. The series is expected to end on a high after an entertaining two weeks of battle that also featured a full strength Zimbabwe XI squad that finished winless.

The two sides meet for the third time in the series, of the previous two meeting the Australians have dominated. They beat the Proteas second stringers in the first match by 60 runs while their last was a closely fought encounter, eventually winning by one wicket. Statistics prove Australia to be the stronger of the two although a mouth watering finale seems to be on the cards.

Leading run scorer so far in the series, South Africa’s captain Jacques Rudolph will be hoping to convert his personal success into team glory. He has scored 219 runs in four outings while he has a healthy average of 54.7. The South Africans have relied on the batsman to do the job for them while their bowling attack leaves a lot to be desired an area Bowling Coach Alan Donald would love to improve so dearly. The leading wicket taker for the South Africans is Venon Philander with eight wickets while conceding 188 runs in four matches. Other notable performances have come from Alexander who is also sitting on eight  wickets for 198 runs while Rory Kleinveldt, Rusty Theron have also shown glimpses of disciplined bowling. Donald said he hoped his bowlers would tighten their run leak a little more then South Africa would be poised to emerge victors. “We need to tighten up a little bit and will be talking about a different story altogether come post match presentation tomorrow (today)”. Australia on the other hand are pinning their hopes on the good all round performance they have displayed so far in the three nation tourney.  They are currently leading from all angles, their batting has been excellent, and fielding has been flawless and extremely disciplined while the bowling has been as efficient as a well serviced engine motor. The bowling has been characterized by good line, length and timely variations.  With the bat they have had good starts but have relied on their middle order to carry the heavy load of setting up the back bone of their innings so far. On some occasions they have left it too far onto the innings, this has been evidenced by their last match against South Africa when they eventually concluded a rather too tight match in the last over. The Tim Paine captained team will be looking forward to having Mitch Finch, David Warner, Cullum Ferguson and Mitch Finch to combine and polish their act and create a defendable total in the event that Australia bat first. Overall pitch behavior has been favoring the ball compares to the bat save for the last time these to sides met were a total 601 runs were scored. It has been confirmed the second strap from the grass bank end will be used. The same strap allowed bowlers to dominate on both occasions South Africa took to battle against Zimbabwe and Aussies on their first encounter. Battle lines have been drawn, this will surely be a intriguing showcase    Zimbabwe’s dismal performance has seen them being left out of the finals were they were expected to make it all the way. There wasn’t much on offer from the hosts who were meant to take this tournament seriously as a preparation to the return to international Test cricket. It now remains for Alan Butcher and his charges to join Zimbabwe’s cricket enthusiast and sadly watch from the famous grass bank.

ZIMBABWE’S SAD STORY CONTINUES

Zimbabwe continued with their dismal show when they lost to South Africa by seventeen runs in Harare yesterday. The result means the hosts are out of the Coca Cola Tri series final which will now feature SA and Australia on Friday.

 Zimbabwe XI’s stand in captain Vusi Sibanda won the toss and sent South Africa in to bat. The visitors opened their account as usual with Captain Jacques Rudolph and Jonathan Vandiar. Their partnership yielded 39 runs off 77 deliveries and lasted at least forty minutes before the skipper made his way back to the pavilion having contributed 27 runs to the total. Rudolph mistimed a Prosper Utseya flighted delivery straight in Sibanda’s waiting arms.

Vandir fell victim to the bowling of Elton Chigumbura who seems to be slowly getting back his much talked about form. The South Africa opener had his middle stump up rooted by the former skipper for twenty runs after facing 36 deliveries. The next man to walk to the showers was Justin Ontong again mistiming an attempted hook shot played straight to a waiting Chris Mpofu for 14 runs courtesy of a Chigumbura delivery. Roussouw was quickly joined by the wicket keeper Heino Kuhn who also didn’t trouble the scorers much after contributing only 12 runs to the total being run out by a Chigumbura and Utseya effort.

Van Jaarsveld was the next man to join the rest of the team in the pavilion after failing all systems out by debutant Brian Vitori for 38 runs off 42 balls, leaving the visitors on 210 for the loss of six. Wonder boy Vitori was to shine one more time when tore apart Roussouw’s middle stump at 92 off 93, in the next over he got rid of Venon Philander for a mere ten runs. Van de Merwe was joined by Kleinveldt in the 47^th over. The pair moved along smoothly up to the last over with the former on 14 while the latter was taken out by Mpofu to end the South African innings at 244 runs for eight wickets.

 Southern Rocks medium pace-man was the pick of the Zimbabwean bowlers with three wickets for 35 runs while Chigumbura picked up two wickets for 38 runs. Mpofu bowled exceptionally well although he was disappointed by his fielders who dropped more than four catches with Regis Chakabva being the main culprit. Chakabva behind the stumps and Utseya at the covers dropped these crucial catches in between.

Zimbabwe started they campaign with Hamilton Masakadza and Sibanda; they were aggressive from the first ball. Sibanda was the first to depart from the after being trapped leg before wicket by Rusty Theron for 22 runs. Chakabva then stepped in and started building a almost meaningful partnership with Masakadza which produced 66 runs. Masakadza’s aggression cost him as he tried to drive through the covers but was caught by Vandiar off Theron’s bowling for 47 runs off 56 deliveries. Mutizwa’s stepped in and started rebuilding with Chakabva and he contributed a well played 39 runs before being run out.Chigumbura was bowled for a duck then three overs later Craig Ervine played one to third man for  15 runs off 20 deliveries. Chakabva was next to leave after being caught by Van Jaarsvelt for 50 runs in 48 balls.

Waller attempted the target by triggering a six and a four in one over then departing the next delivery for 21 runs off 10 runs. Leaving Utseya with debutant Natsai Mushangwe on the crease and the latter didn’t do much to change the state of affairs on the score board. Utseya also followed right after nicking a Alexander and being caught by the wicket keeper. Then Vitori and Mpofu tried to salvage some pride for Zimbabwe by offering some resistance before the former was eventually caught behind for an entertaining 13 runs off 10 balls.  

  

Photo @JEKESAI

                                       His exellent batting efforts went in vain

AUSSIES FINISH DOUBLE OVER PROTEAS

Australia’s  A side continued their dominance in the Coca Cola tri series after they recorded a fourth straight victory. They won the nail biting encounter against South Africa that went up to the last over by one wicket in Harare yesterday. They ensured a comfortable spot to the series finale to be played on Friday here.

South Africa opened their account with Captain Jacques Rudolph and Jonathan Vandiar who had a first wicket stand of 123 runs. Vandiar was the first to depart after attempting a quick single off the bowling of Steve O’Keefe. An excellent piece of fielding by due Mitch Marsh and Nathan Lyon made sure Vandiar was back in the pavilion.

Rudolph was joined by Rilee Roussouw for another sterling partnership that yielded a total 64 runs off 78 deliveries. Rudolph played a magnificent and well calculated 90 runs after facing 102 deliveries before being caught behind by wicket keeper Tim Paine off the bowling of Steve O’Keefe. Roussouw had a quick 50 off just 49 balls and was eventually trapped leg before wicket Marsh for 52 runs. The other notable contribution came from in-form Roelof van der Merwe who entertained the little crowd with two sixes and two fours to make 40 runs off 30 balls. He saw the end of the innings together with Rory Kleinveldt who also sent Lyon for two consecutive sixes and getting 13 off three deliveries to give the South Africans a grand total of 298runs.

Australia needed 299 runs to record their fourth straight victory in the Tri series. They started their run chase with David Warner and Mitch Finch who produced a first wicket partnership of 39 runs. Warner was caught for 22 at gully by Roussouw off Keinveldt’s bowling after facing 17 deliveries. Finch was joined by man of the match Marsh who scored 72 off 73 balls. Marsh is also son to former Zimbabwe national team coach Geoff Marsh. Finch later departed for 39 after having consumed 44 deliveries when he was trapped lbw by Ontong.

Ferguson stepped onto the crease to join  Marsh and had a partnership that yielded      runs off      balls with Marsh. Australia looked set to win the match before marsh attempted playing the glance shot to the leg side instead he lofted the ball to Vandiar’s waiting arms. The captain Paine then came in and made 33 runs off 37 deliveries before being caught behind by wicket keeper Kuhn off a Philander delivery to leave the score at 236 for five. Butterworth, Okeefe, Hastings and Starc did not do much to trouble the scorers as they made 19, 11, two and four respectively.

Then, came the last over which was the highlight of the match were Australia’s Copeland and Lyon were in the middle. The two tail end batsmen new they required five runs off six deliveries and there was nothing they could do besides walking down the pitch and swing the bat hard, Copeland did just that on the fifth ball of that over as he pulled a short Kleinveldt delivery over the square leg umpire for victory.

                                           Rudolph's hardearned 90 runs went in vain

GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME! – Zimbabwe’s ability to translate talent to wins hinges on mental toughness.

India’s 2011 win didn’t just come from mere talent or good coaching skills nor did Australia’s dominance come from good captaincy, accurate bowling and massive batting abilities. This comes from a higher power, a power that allows a bunch of eleven men to dominate the other equally talented group.

Here I am talking about mental toughness, the ability to tune one’s mind into perceiving the impossible as otherwise. The human mind can be easily manipulated. Taking that in relation to how Zimbabwe is performing on the field of play, this is certainly a grey area for the team. We have the talent but we are not brave enough to change our thinking when it comes to international cricket. We need to think with a winning cap on, it is important to be on top of the situation ‘mentally’ at all times when playing.

Alan Butcher must seek advice from the world’s most celebrated coaches; like the recent World Cup winning mentor Gary Kirsten or Duncan Fletcher better still former Zimbabwe and former world number one Andy Flower.

Kirsten responded to questions by journalist on how he prepared India to win the World Cup by saying the following: “We started speaking the language that we wanted to introduce in the WC a year ago. Everything we did leading up to the WC was about finding ourselves in that situation in the tournament. We spoke a lot about managing expectations, handling the pressure moments and how we needed to set up our game plans and our strategies around what we wanted to achieve in those moments. We reflected on every single match that we played-the stuff we did really well, the stuff we didn’t do well, what we learnt from it-and spoke that language day in, day out”.

He also said that what he had learnt from coaching India was understanding how to get the best out of people. And that the world understanding of the elements of coaching is different from reality. “ I found that I learnt a lot more about myself in this job-who I was as a person and how I could lead other people better” he said.

It’s not to say that Butcher is not the man for the job, he is good; he however needs to put a little more effort into panel beating the minds of his charges and certainly getting the best out of Brendon Taylor and his cronies.

Maybe it’s time Ozias Bvute and his executive team considered adding a permanent psychologist to the technical team to realize the full potential of the current crop of players who are otherwise slowly losing respect from their followers. The strategy of getting occasional motivational speakers to bluff about for an hour or so is not quite the way to achieving a total mindset revamp.

These are players who are only starting to realize that cricket is a profession not just a means to an end hence they need a constant reminder about what they need to focus their minds on.  In all fairness, if Sachin Tendulkar needs constant mind training at his level, what of Hamilton Masakadza? Food for thought.  

IS ZIMBABWE READY FOR BIG BOYS?

Talent seems to be there in abundance but is it really existent in the current crop of players that we currently banking on?  If it is, then there is something really wrong with the players’ mindset and will-power to do what is required of them. Today’s game was only a question of the individuals telling themselves that they are ready to win I say this because there was some good batting done at Harare Sports. Its still up to the Zimbabweans to decide if they want to compete at the biggest level or not.

Just a brief analysis of the game from a Zimbabwean perspective……..

BOWLING

Prosper Utseya did exceptionally well today and was by compliment by the Matabeleland Tuskers all-rounder Keegan Meth. Chris Mpofu as usual did cause a couple of scares to the neighbors from across Limpopo.

FEILDING

Terrible, terrible!!! In fact pathetic, South Africa  should not have reached their 238 run total had Zimbabwe taken their chances. Cricket is about taking those chances, this is further cemented by Heath Streak’s favourate statement “Catches win matches”. Vusi Sibanda, Mpofu and former captain Elton Chigumbura were culprits dropping five clean catches amongst themselves.

BATTING

Brendon Taylor as usual was at his best scoring a a well crafted 98 off 133 deliveries before succumbing to a soft delivery by Kleinveldt being caught by Miller. Regis Chakabva did well today while Foster Mutizwa’s reasoning was heavily questioned by a very anxious crowd when he failed to bring home the last ball of the innings to give his team a long awaited victory.

A full strength Zimbabwe XI team lost by one run in a nail-biting encounter, giving the South Africans  their first points in the tri-series. Chasing 239, Zim needed two off the last ball, but came off second as Rusty Theron held his nerve to bowl a wicket-taking dot.

Zimbabwe’s innings were dominated by captain Brendan Taylor, who scored 98. While there were no other half-centuries from the line-up, the next six batsmen got into double figures, making sure Zimbabwe were on course in the chase. They took the third Powerplay in the 43rd over, needing 77 off 48 balls with seven wickets in hand. With a close finish looming, a five-ball 45th over did the hosts no favours. It came down to the last ball, off which Theron had Forster Mutizwa stumped.

 South Africa won the toss and elected to bat, their innings wre guided by a patient 98 by the skipper, Jacques Rudoplh. Three wickets went down in the first 15 overs at the other end, leaving South Africa in a spot of trouble at 52 for 3. But wicketkeeper Heino Kuhn complemented Rudolph well, scoring 61 off 70 balls as their partnership yielded  116 runs. Cameos from the lower-middle order followed, pushing the score to a competitive 238. Prosper Utseya was the pick of the bowlers, picking up four wickets for 49 runs in ten overs.

Rudolph was named Man of the Match. Zimbabwe face Australia A on tomorrow at the same venue.