Williams was roped in after outcry

[Conant]

Middle-order batsman Sean Williams was made a last-minute inclusion into what was originally a 15-man squad for the two Test cricket series between Zimbabwe and New Zealand.

Yesterday, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) announced a 16-man squad, including Williams, but the original squad, leaked to NewsDay Sport on Wednesday which was published in yesterday’s issue had only 15 players excluding the left hander.

It took the intervention of captain Graeme Cremer, who sources said had not been consulted over the squad selection, for Williams to be included in the squad.

The original 15-man squad was selected by convenor Tatenda Taibu, coach Makhaya Ntini and Zim A coach Dougie Hondo.

Williams was visibly unhappy on Wednesday at practice after learning that he had been omitted from the Test squad.

After missing part of the India series last month due to injury, he has recovered to start training with the rest of the squad.

He will be involved in the three-day warm-up match starting this morning at Harare Sports Club together with wicketkeeper/batsman Regis Chakabva, Tino Mawoyo, Sikandar Raza Butt and seam bowler Tendai Chatara, who are all part of the Test series that will be played in Bulawayo.

https://www.newsday.co.zw/2016/07/22/wi ... ed-outcry/

To be honest I don't know if its a good thing the squad was changed because Williams complained. If Cremer had a problem with his omission he should have spoken out at once, not waited till Williams complained.

On the other hand it might be a good sign that Taibu and company are willing to listen, though I'm not fully confident they did the correct thing at the end. Like I said earlier if they felt Williams was not ready, then he should have played against SA. Having said that isn't it odd Williams name keeps popping up in many of these controversies? I have a feeling that many of his omissions have nothing to do with his talent, which is unquestionable, but plenty to do with his attitude and commitment.

I'm secretly still fuming at Sibanda's omission while Williams and Sikander Raza are there.

[CrimsonAvenger]

Agree. What's a Zim team selection without some drama? I think Waller is the guy who must be disappointed the most though, he had a stellar FC season, and finds himself nowhere, no support. But Willams jumps up and down, and the skipper comes to his rescue. Given ZC's record, does not augur well for skipper too, long term. What's more crazy was that the selectors chose to pick a team even without a part time spin partner to Cremer in Williams. Raza isn't a serious bowler. We are playing in Byo and there is no second spinner in the 15 man squad! How idiotic can it get? This with Taibu at the helm.

And how is it that Hondo gets to do everything? coaching Zim A, giving bowling tips to Zim senior side, captaining Zim indoor cricket team, and now also a selector. How? and why? When he actually was a designated selector, he did not even know that he was one, and got himself embarrassed in a press conference royally prior to the recent Pak series. Crazy.

[Kriterion_BD]

Sibanda, though talented, has been a colossal waste of natural ability. He wouldn't offer anything a Brian Chari doesn't offer already. In fact, Char may outperform him. At best, Sibanda would played a few sparking drives down the ground, and maybe a couple more through the covers, before he pulls a Ish Sodhi half tracker to one of 5 men posted at square leg falling for an extremely attractive until that shout 35.

Waller was the man who missed out. Has a FC average of 38 and doesn't even make the squad. He should at least get a run of 5 Tests to see if he has the goods or not.

[Conant]

Sibanda, though talented, has been a colossal waste of natural ability. He wouldn't offer anything a Brian Chari doesn't offer already. In fact, Char may outperform him. At best, Sibanda would played a few sparking drives down the ground, and maybe a couple more through the covers, before he pulls a Ish Sodhi half tracker to one of 5 men posted at square leg falling for an extremely attractive until that shout 35.

Waller was the man who missed out. Has a FC average of 38 and doesn't even make the squad. He should at least get a run of 5 Tests to see if he has the goods or not.

Five Tests? Kkkk... That's like five years, given Zimbabwe's recent form.

[eugene]

I have never got the impression Taibu is the sharpest tool in the shed.

[Detective RDS]

And how is it that Hondo gets to do everything? coaching Zim A, giving bowling tips to Zim senior side, captaining Zim indoor cricket team, and now also a selector. How? and why? When he actually was a designated selector, he did not even know that he was one, and got himself embarrassed in a press conference royally prior to the recent Pak series. Crazy.

Is Douglas Hondo the interim assistant coach of national Zim side, can anyone confirm ?

Because

The board also restructured the selection panel, which will now consist of a convener, the head coach, and the assistant coach.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/zimbabwe/co ... 22209.html

So, the selection panel:

1. Convener - TATENDA TAIBU
2. Head Coach - MAKHAYA NTINI (INTERIM)
3. Assistant Coach - DOUGLAS HONDO ??? (INTERIM ???)

[Conant]

I have never got the impression Taibu is the sharpest tool in the shed.

Taibu not the sharpest tool in the shed? Then you must hear Graeme Cremer speak, my friend. Or worse Elton Chigumbura; him and Cremer are at par at just stumbling on about nothing.

I seem to recall Taibu being able to articulate is thoughts quite clearly, way back when he was captain at 22. I don't know how you arrived at that perplexing conclusion, Eugene.

[eugene]

Taibu's recent interviews and his actions as selector don't inspire confidence that he really knows what he is doing. Chigs does seem stupid, I agree with you there. Haven't heard Cremer much so can't comment much, but he doesn't come across as an academic.

[ZIMDOGGY]

Chigs and cremer so sound stupid I agree. Cremer may just be shy though. Taibu not really bright either.

I can't think of any current player who seems bright. People often cite
mawoyo, but I suspect that's more amazement at having a crisp British accent rather than a heavy African accent. I don't think that's necessarily a measure of intellect.

In fact, prosper utseya was intelligent, but in a conniving, Cunning dodgy way.

[jimmylesaint]

Knowing ZC Cremer probably only saw the squad once it was in the paper!

Williams made 50 against the kiwis, highest score.
His attitude sucks but he can play.

Cremer being squeezed out of decision making so he gets frustrated and quits, one more whitey gone. Wayne James gone as wage cut by 70%, another whitey out. Kenyon dumped from Franchise CEO to associate, another whitey gone from decision making to mediocre--probably won't last long with the penny wage.
ntini on $16k a month.
#thisflag