TESTING TIME FINALLY UPON US

UTSEYA OUT OF “THE SUPER ELEVEN”
HARARE
Zimbabwe returns to Test cricket today and launches its quest for international reckoning with a one off match against Bangladesh in Harare. The host have been voluntarily absent from the test arena for more than six years.
The match will be more of a historic event for the cricket enthusiasts across the divide. The selection panel has however thrown their last dice and concluded on the eleven men that will carry the country’s hopes. Opener Vusimuzi Sibanda will be expected to start the proceedings for the hosts with Mountaineers top order batsman Tinotenda Mawoyo while world record breaker Hamilton Masakadza, controversial Tatenda Taibu, Craig Ervine and Captain Brendon Taylor finish up the middle order.
Speaking to OFF THE CREASE in an exclusive interview last night Assistant coach Steve Mangongo said he was hopeful that his charges were going to deliver. “We have been working hard and we are ready for this match as you will know its history in the making for us and we would prefer to have a win to go with that” he said.
The former Mountaineers gaffer also said the team had gotten enough preparation from the recently ended South African and Australian A sides tour. “The batsmen were tested by the by some genuine bowling from the Australians and the South Africans as well. I am sure the batters are ready for the action” added Mangongo.
Talking about the bowling aspect of the game he said the bowlers who were preferred were Brian Vitori, Kyle Jarvis. The duo is expected to provide the much needed support to seasoned bowlers Chris Mpofu and Ray Price. “We need twenty wickets, it is my hope that experienced Price, Mpofu and two youngsters Jarvis and Vitori will provide us with just that” he said.
Former captain prosper Utseya was dropped as the technical team opted to go with one spinner and Price was their obvious choice as he is one of the most experienced campaigner. Utseya will have to endure the pain of watching the historic event from the terraces although he is one the players that featured for Zimbabwe in their last test outing.
Mangongo defended the selectors’ decision saying the wicket was going to a fast one hence the opted to go with three seamers. “The wicket is conducive for fast bowlers, its a little greener so it would have made sense for us to go with an extra seamer instead of a spinner” he said.
The technical team also chose Elton Chigumbura to play the role of the sole all rounder. The talented Chigumbura who seems to have been regaining his form will be expected to beef up both the batting and bowling aspects of the team.
He also noted that Taibu’s media showcase had not affected the mood in the camp. “Morale is definitely high in the camp although we had a bit of issues that came out in the media yesterday. We are ready to give our all regardless of these petty issues” said a confidant Mangongo
First Eleven: B.Taylor; V.Sibanda; T. Mawoyo; H.Masakadza; T.Taibu; C.Ervine; E.Chigumbura; R.Price; B.Vitori; K.Jarvis; C.Mpofu