By John Ward

Welcome to the fourth issue of Zimbabwe cricket's weekly on-line magazine. This week the editor comments on the disciplinary action taken against three Zimbabwe players following an incident in the 3rd Test.
"Sledging is one of those matters that should (but probably won't) be discussed by the national captains. As we said last week, matters that cause offence, whether we feel that offence justified or not, need to be resolved, not ignored, otherwise the game we love degenerates into antagonism and hostility. In the meantime, let's see Zimbabwean players keep a clean image."
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RAIN SIDES WITH SRI LANKA IN EVEN MATCH

Third Test review by John Ward

(Photo of Murray Goodwin, copyright Paul McGregor)
For the first time this season, Zimbabwe were on level terms in a Test match. They had conceded a deficit of only 13 to Sri Lanka on first innings, and batting a second time, on a pitch giving much assistance to seam bowlers, they were 35 runs ahead after losing both openers. Bearing in mind that Sri Lanka would have to bat last on this pitch, the balance was pretty even, although the Zimbabweans themselves were confident that they had an advantage.
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Eddo Brandes, the man who achieved legendary status in Zimbabwean cricket after his mighty deeds against the England touring team of 1996/97, was to the surprise of many recalled to the Test team for the third Test against Sri Lanka at Harare Sports Club - and with success. He talks to John Ward about what it was like to return to Test cricket.
" Yes, I am available for South Africa and I am available for the West Indies. But that's all to do with policy and what the selectors decide."
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Visitor To Zimbabwe: Carl Rackemann

Carl Rackemann is currently in Zimbabwe as a bowling coach on temporary employment with the Zimbabwe Cricket Union. Here he talks to John Ward about his visit, while rain was preventing play on the fourth day of the Third Test between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.

"There is quite a deal of talent to work with. I'm encouraged by that. The guys in the national squad have all got a lot of ability, and going back to that Under-14 team I mentioned there are some really good kids there. There have been one or two older boys, 16 or 17, that I've seen bowling in the nets; there's plenty of talent around, so if they have the opportunity of some coaching and then the opportunity to play the game more, that's all going to contribute to their progress."
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Visitor To Zimbabwe: Sir Clyde Walcott

Sir Clyde and Lady Walcott are currently in Zimbabwe as guests of the Zimbabwe Cricket Union. Sir Clyde speaks to John Ward about his visit.

"I think that any country wanting to get more people playing will have to ensure that cricket comes to the schools, to the young people, and that the schools will have to get them involved in the cricket and to know the names of all the other players out in the world and emulate some of them. With all the television there is these days, the young people will watch the better players and try to emulate them. And of course coaching has to be important too because there are certain techniques in cricket that one should use to become better."
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