Zimbabwe coach blames players' injuries for defeat
12 June 2001
Zimbabwe coach Carl Rackemann has blamed his side's eight-wicket
defeat by India in the first cricket Test in Bulawayo on injuries to
key players, captain Heath Streak and Henry Olonga.
India beat Zimbabwe on Sunday with a day to spare to record their
first victory outside the sub continent in 15 years.
"We lost because of the injury to Henry Olonga and Heath Streak. When
you have an injury to any of your bowlers, it is a big setback.
Otherwise there is nothing wrong with the players. The team has a
nucleus of very good and experienced players," the coach said.
Rackemann said with the loss of the two bowlers, who were injured
before the start of India's second innings, all hopes were lost. But
he said the performance of Brighton Watambwa, playing in only his
third Test, gave them the confidence of winning the second match and
forcing a draw in the two match series.
"The young man who has just started his career took over the baton and
spearheaded the attack. The manner in which he did the job was good,"
he said.
Rackemann hoped their performance would be a lot better in the second
Test in Harare which starts on Friday. Streak is expected to recover
in time but Olonga has been ruled out of the Test.
"We were in India last year and were beaten there. They (India)
recently beat Australia, the world's top cricketing team. Although
Zimbabwe have beaten India in Harare, it shows what opposition the
country is facing," the coach said.
© PTI