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Firdose Moonda
October 14, 2011
Zimbabwe are gearing up for their third inbound tour in as many months as they host New Zealand from Saturday. For some other teams, it would be international overload but for a side that are eager to play and desperate to learn and improve, it's perfect. With two Twenty20s, three ODIs and another one-off Test, there is a good enough mix of cricket to judge what progress has been made since their stirring return to Test cricket in August.
If Bangladesh provided Zimbabwe with the opportunity to prove they belong at the highest level, Pakistan showed them how far behind the top tier they really are. After winning fans, gladdening hearts and building confidence against a regressive Bangladesh side, they were sent a few steps back by a Pakistan team that had an uncharacteristically controversy free tour and played like a unit from start to finish.
Now, New Zealand, have arrived, offering a challenge, which is different from the two sub-continental sides. While Flair and flamboyance is like the Asians want to play their cricket, New Zealand, will bring more clinical, disciplined and effective game. In a sense, competition is more consistent in Zimbabwe, which is likely to be prepared in less unexpected outbreak or the color of Tamim Iqbal Sohail Tanvir can generate more grafting and grinding. There have been a sustained effort rather than relying on simple moments of magic.
Alan Butcher, coach of Zimbabwe, said the New Zealand series is probably prove to be the best measure of her husband because of the style of the game. Performance against Pakistan, Zimbabwe should be given a little 'back, but do not have a negative impact. With the spotlight turned on the contrary, Zimbabwe's cricketers could return home to the franchise, play some low-key Logan Cup matches, to develop their abilities to gather and prepare for a mini-reboot.
The preparation has been a central part of Zimbabwe's approach so far. Before being hosted in Bangladesh, have played a tri-series against South Africa and Australia, and two first class matches in Australia. Although the results did not go his way, the practice match paid off and Brendan Taylor hopes will be a lot of the same in New Zealand.
"We put in some good preparation and confidence is good," said ESPNcricinfo. "I understand that New Zealand had no cricket for a few months, so hopefully we'll have some advantage." New Zealand has not played since the World Cup semi-final against Sri Lanka in March but have been maintained training camps at home and in Pretoria. The value of time in the middle can not be underestimated, however, as South Africa, which had a similar time out of the game as New Zealand have shown in the T20 against Australia.
New Zealand will boot directly from the blocks, but Zimbabwe has had two sets to assess areas that need improvement. A problem that started against Bangladesh and Pakistan was detonated against their butter fingers. "The Fielding really let us down against Pakistan. We just put too many chances, "said Taylor. "We've gone and ironed it and worked on it, then we should set a much better performance."
Since fur and bowling showed great promise, Zimbabwe has maintained a relative continuity of their choice. Their squad includes 20 years legspinner T20 Nats Mushangwe who only played 16 games domestic T20. He has a good record first, with 76 gates from its 26 games and is considered a replacement for Graeme Creamer, who is still recovering from a knee injury. "We really missed Graeme, especially in terms of adding another dynamic to our bowling attack, so Nats is in the squad," said Taylor. "He has great talent and a very bright future."
Ray Price, Prosper Utseya Malcolm Waller and offer other options for slow bowling, while Zimbabwe has lived in the four seamers Chris Mpofu, Kyle Jarvis Pacy, courageous and relentless Keegan Meth Elton Chigumbura. The left arm Vitor Brian still has a complaint, the tibia and Zimbabwe expected to be ready for testing. "We can not wait to get back in top form after she appeared on stage with a bang, but luckily we found some depth in a few other seamers today so we can do what is good for us," said Taylor.
Batting is also equipped with the experience of Hamilton Masakadza, Vusi Sibanda, Tatenda Taibu, Charles Coventry and Taylor himself. The captain confirmed his order club below, a limited-over opening Chamu Chibhabha. "Chamu best suited to the upper part of the team," Taylor said. "I will be in the middle, and we also Charles Coventry there. And 'nice to get him back into the fold, and I know he is dying to play." Forster Mutizwa is also a line-up. It 'was a fantastic result of the start of the season 73 not out, not for 164 and 83 of the Eagles.
Zimbabwe has not seen much in New Zealand in recent years, with the exception of the game, every World Cup 2010 and Twenty20 World Cup earlier this year. They also had a series against the side of New Zealand last year.
Three unofficial tests have been questioned by both parties, including New Zealand A won two. Three players from New Zealand T20 side, Graeme Alridge, Martin Guptill and James Franklin, played in these games, while Chris Martin, who played in the spot test, the stars. In Zimbabwe, Tino Mawoyo made his name in this series as the leading scorer of execution, while Waller has also had strong projections.
The series was an important step in Zimbabwe before returning to the Arena test and Taylor said they learned a lot. "We have a video in which she also helped to prepare this series," he said. "And Chris Harris, who is our Under-19s, has also worked with us. We look forward to a number of competitors."
The ability to challenge was not an area where Zimbabwe has failed this season. They are in Pakistan in the first innings of one-off test, and should have won one of the T20 and one of the ODIs. It is the lack of conviction for the line that was held in Zimbabwe a step back. Their overly cautious approach is largely due to a fear of failure, but they realize the need to find a little confidence is urgent. It's something they need to discover quickly because their next assignment will be far from the comforts of home in New Zealand, and they need to go to a company and the security apparatus. Zimbabwe has given the prize to encourage local this season, but before they fly, they want to give them concrete victories, not just moments to celebrate.
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