There remains a semblance of order&continuity amidst chaos

[FlowerPower]

hhm I think I see what you mean. Its a pity the laws of nature on the ground dictate things that way. I am one of those simpletons that believe if we are all good and sincere in our intentions then all should be fine (no need to tell me that doesn't work!)...so I personally wouldn't have issue with an all white or all black team as long as its based on merit.

Its unfortunate that we come from a history, and one we can't ignore. So such an "exclusive" team would be frowned upon. But interestingly, I have seen plenty all black teams from the West Indies, and plenty all white teams from England. Does this mean there are sinister vibes? I don't think so. But look I am not naive and I see where you are coming from.

It definitely is important that a mechanism/strategy be worked out to ensure that nature takes course but also that history and context be taken cognisence of. I'd hate to have to go to a quota system, or start bean counting, and of late I don't get the feeling that has been the case, and the best (which is subjective) have come to the fore.

But I get your argument that the talent drain "trend", may actually cause the powers that be to question where they invest resources.

For the record, I do not see anything amiss with Mutizwa replacing Ervine, and a retired Price due his own choice, or Taylor losing captaincy due to loss of form. As long as those are the genuine reasons, and not because of "other" reasons. And any external pressure unhappy with that, should not be entertained (as long as we are clear in our conscience that cricketing reasons have prevailed). No one tells England whom they should have on their team, nor who should open for Australia, etc. But I would be sick if these guys metioned would exit due to non cricketing reasons.

And if I read you well that is the issue you are trying to raise, and implicitly you are saying by being non comital to the Zim cricket cause we may well find ourselves with a Board that sidelines such people (who according to your argument happen to be white), and hence the danger. I get you, interesting problem...no easy solution...

As for the CSA stuff, I'm afraid Zimdoggy may red card me soon (as with the Rugby slanted thread I had before!), so I will PM you about the Test match, and maybe we can discuss these over a cold one!

[Flower power]

There are several reasons why these young boys are leaving Zimbabwe .Firstly the tertiary education system in Zimbabwe is not their liking .Most of these prefer to study in Universities overseas, Australia, New Zealand , England & South Africa . The set up in Zim for someone to play cricket professionally is not as professional as it looks .Who wants to work for an organization that does not offer job security . The players don't even have a players union to represent them .
If the environment is sorted out then we are going to have a glut of players playing in our first class system .

[FlowerPower]

There are several reasons why these young boys are leaving Zimbabwe .Firstly the tertiary education system in Zimbabwe is not their liking .Most of these prefer to study in Universities overseas, Australia, New Zealand , England & South Africa . The set up in Zim for someone to play cricket professionally is not as professional as it looks .Who wants to work for an organization that does not offer job security . The players don't even have a players union to represent them .
If the environment is sorted out then we are going to have a glut of players playing in our first class system .

Thanks power, I wouldn't summarily dismiss your points, but would not take them at face value either.

I can get your education argument to a degree, but then again,

a) how many really are driven by this reason, I haven't heard of many studying and playing county cricket (well except our own Sloan playing club cricket and studying: how are the books mate?, but he really isn't faced with the dilema, he's English isn't he, I digress.. )

b) this is not exclusive to the white players, Hami had a stint in Bloem for a couple of years where he played there and studied and still came back.

So it must be more than just education pulling them away.

I can't argue with the lack of professionalism (I'm not on the ground, as you are), but I can only say from where I am there seems a semblance of normalcy, we have a well defined FC structure with not so big interantional presence, but some none-the-less, which means it must be worth something, the local competition has us here discussing, which should count for something, so I would be tempted, from very far, to say there must be something right going on.

Job security and lack of player union and representation, I too would be desperate to defend this if it were true. But if we had such representation would this woe Gary into the fray? I'm not convinced.

[hhm]

Mutumbani stands alone when assessing wicketkeepers. Taibu has often ceded the glove-work to him when they’ve both featured in the Rocks side, which is great, and I certainly hope Richmond takes his wicket-keeping seriously as that can be his tiny window to recognition.

This young fellow is proving me right! If you've had a chance to watch him how does his batting look like guys - Bayhaus, Flower power, takleg etc....? I'm concerned that Alester is giving himself the nod to keep wicket ahead of this youngster com'on big guy - give the young man a chance, you had yours!!!

[sloandog]

(well except our own Sloan playing club cricket and studying: how are the books mate?, but he really isn't faced with the dilema, he's English isn't he, I digress.. )

I'm getting back on track with it all pal, thanks
Would love to play first class cricket in Zimbabwe one day!