OUT OF OUR DEPTH

Reading through the Letters to the Editor in the last couple of issues, (and following the Pakistan tour) it appears that there are two common themes among Zimbabwe cricket supporters. One, the national side is inept and cannot compete. And two, the selectors are somewhat indirectly responsible for this, and yet seem unaccountable.

I recall when I last corresponded with you, there were something like nine selectors, counting the captain and coach, and all the affirmative action people. Is this still the case? Letters in the last issue address the problem of selecting unproven players and then dropping them after, surprise, surprise, they don't perform, so I won't go into them now. Whilst no one expects Zimbabwe to be innovative, surely the selectors can follow the lead of all Test countries, and realize that a cricketer's career in the 21st century is no longer from 19-30 years, but 25-35 years.

Talk of a Zimbabwe fight back to make things respectable, a recurring theme in all games this current series, is naïve. In football a consolation goal is worth one, in cricket it's worth 40-50 runs. It seems Zimbabwe is totally out of its depth.

I suggest, John, that Zimbabwe lose its Test status, on its own account, and become a one-day side. For now! Touring sides could play seven one-dayers instead of a couple of Tests and three one-dayers, and the coffers would remain unchanged. Big-money ventures like England, South Africa, India and Australia could come out more regularly, like biannually, and international cricket would not die in the country.

Further, the money spent on attempting to develop the longer game would vanish. The money spent on the current first-class system, and A-class system, would go into a one-day side. Individual cricketers could then make a living in England. Perhaps two states could field sides in the South African one-day competition. When Zimbabwe has four teams the same strength as Mashonaland currently has, then lets look at Test cricket. For now, anything is better than witnessing the national side get humiliated, yes, humiliated, by other sides monotonously.

Further, allow me to put out a few feelers for establishing a Zimbabwe Cricket Foreign Legion, an association designed to raise funds for Cricket development in Zimbabwe. Funds raised will go towards securing equipment for under-developed areas. Maybe $20AUS per month for members??? Any takers or suggestions?

Phil Garland - Australia (dessie@gil.com.au)

Reply: There are now six selectors, and this does not include the captain and coach. I don't think a loss of Test status is an option, especially as Bangladesh are now a Test team and we are still stronger than they; besides, getting back into Test cricket again from scratch one day with a team of players who have not played it before would be a formidable task! A great and generous suggestion for a Zimbabwe Cricket Foreign Legion - would other interested readers like to contact Phil at the e-mail address above?

I have just read your commentary concerning the 30-man squad selected for the World Cup. I think you know what you are talking about. Although I do disagree with a few of your comments.

*CAMPBELL's last Cup. Must be selected purely on experience. Afterwards, it must be realized that potential surely cannot carry you for 10 years.

*CARLISLE seems a very correct and technical batsman. Worth another go, and another extended run.

COVENTRY, has done nothing, adds depth to club cricket.

EBRAHIM, has shown glimpses of talent, without the associated fighting qualities.

*FLOWER A., outstanding. Picks himself. The first name mentioned. Without being starry eyed, the best batsman in the world.

MASAKADZA, not good enough. Yet!

MATSIKENYERI, not good enough. Yet!

ROGERS, a possible selection if only to gain experience for future Cups.

*VERMEULEN, has been there or thereabouts for a number a years. Should be selected if the selectors have long-term plans.

WISHART, talented in terms of Zim cricketers. Had his chance. Has experience, but only adds depth.

CROXFORD, must first serve his apprenticeship.

*EVANS, must be the third name mentioned. Has the necessary experience and firepower to be an asset. His selection will vindicate high performance in the local comp.

*FLOWER G, the fourth name mentioned, will improve Zim cricket if selected as a batting all-rounder. Past history and current form will insist on his selection. Will undoubtedly strengthen the squad.

MARILLIER, bits and pieces. Will improve the squad if played at his strengths.

RENNIE, talented in terms of Zim cricketers. Had his chance. Has experience, but only adds depth.

*WHITTALL, has enough experience to secure selection. Last Cup if selected.

*BLIGNAUT, undoubtedly has the talent with both bat and ball. A genuine all-rounder. Despite admin. concerns, the future of Zim cricket.

*BRENT, must be selected due to domestic cricket returns. An accurate bowler and competent bat.

ERVINE, genuine one-day ability. Will not lessen Zim's chances.

*FRIEND, Must be selected. In the words of Richie Benaud, "an excellent prospect with a good action".

MAHWIRE, must first serve his apprenticeship.

*NKALA, has experience for one so young. Must be selected if Zim selectors are to be seen as consistent.

*STREAK, the second name mentioned. Zimbabwe no chance, if not fit.

*HONDO, excellent prospect if only well supported. Adds competence and longevity to the Zim attack.

MWAYENGA, must first serve his apprenticeship.

*OLONGA, must be selected. Has experience and variation, i.e., fast as opposed to medium.

EWING, must first serve his apprenticeship.

MURPHY, an over-achiever. Always promised, never delivered.

SIMS, must first serve his apprenticeship.

*TAIBU, Must be convinced that he is the best keeper in Africa. Huge future. When he realizes that keeping well and averaging 20 is not enough, he will rise to second behind only Gilchrist. And then some.

FLOWER, A. CARLISLE, S. CAMPBELL, A. STREAK, H. TAIBU, T. VERMEULLEN, M. EVANS, C. OLONGA, H. FLOWER, G. HONDO, D. BLIGNAUT, A. NKALA, M. FRIEND, T. BRENT, G.

BATSMEN        ALLROUNDERS     BOWLERS      KEEPERS
FLOWER, A.     FLOWER, G.      STREAK, H    TAIBU, T.
EVANS, C.      BLIGNAUT, A.    OLONGA, H.
CARLISLE, S.   FRIEND, T.      HONDO, D.
CAMPBELL, A.                   NKALA, M.
VERMEULEN, M.                  BRENT, G. 

The big thing missing is a spinning bowler.

How Ray Price has been omitted is anyone's guess. What would happen if he was required to bowl for two hours in a Test to save it, i.e., flat and defensively? He could/should replace either Nkala or Brent.

Phil Garland (Australia)

Have just seen the Zim World Cup squad. I am absolutely astounded that Pommie has been left out. Maybe he has done something wrong or maybe it is just because I rate him highly but I think the selectors will live to rue this decision. I won't go on too much about it except to say I am very disappointed.

The spinners are a bit of a worry too. Again how Ray Price can be overlooked is astounding. I believe he is by far Zimbabwe's best slow bowler and is now world class.

The positives of the side are, as you said, that is it is a very competitive squad and should do quite well if everyone steps up to the mark. I like the selection of Coventry even though he probably won't get a game. I thought he had a very good Under-19 World Cup in NZ last year and can carry this on into the senior ranks. I would really love to see Zim do extremely well at the World Cup.

Just back on to last year's Under-19 World Cup. Zim must be doing something right in the promotion of the game over there because that Under-19 team performed very well and had quite a few exciting youngsters who have already gone on to play senior cricket. I guess the problem for Zim is to hold on to these players so they don't go to other countries for better cricket opportunities or quit cricket to work for more money which unfortunately seems to be a big problem over there.

Anyway I think all your comments were spot-on in regards to the squad and I will be very disappointed if this team do not perform as well as they can.

Michael Shepherd (Australia)

© CricInfo Ltd