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.