[Match Thread] 1st Test, Zimbabwe vs West Indies

[TapsC]

Disappointing from Ervine.

[brmtaylor.com admin]

I think Waller's Test credits have to be running low. Averaging 23 with a highest of 72* (which I think was in his debut game) after 12 or 13 games is not great. I think he snuck into this team by virtue of the 8-3, but unless he makes a good score in this second innings - how does he hold on to his spot for the next game? If it's 8-3 again, they may pick Moor instead by virtue of him - based on evidence to date - being a more solid Test batsman. And if they go 7-4 he'd be the first to be dropped anyway.

[Jemisi]

Waller really needs runs in this innings.

Chatara has to come in for Mpofu.

[brmtaylor.com admin]

Waller really needs runs in this innings.

Chatara has to come in for Mpofu.

Did Mpofu get bowled for so few overs because he was taking no wickets? Or did he take no wickets because he bowled so few overs?

[TapsC]

If Waller doesn't score im sure he will be dropped. I think it will be a tight call between Chamu and PJ in the current squad. Don't know if PJ would handle the pace, also don't know if Chamu can handle the spin. I would personally pick Chamu to open with Mire then shift everybody 1 down with Hami at 3. Chamu can also get some overs in unlike PJ.

[foreignfield]

Waller really needs runs in this innings.

Chatara has to come in for Mpofu.

Did Mpofu get bowled for so few overs because he was taking no wickets? Or did he take no wickets because he bowled so few overs?

Good question. Cremer really isn't great at thinking on his feet and rotating his bowlers. Just from the commentary I believe he again bowled Raza for too many overs, and Bobby and Hami could have been used more. Raza creates chances when it's turning, but he's really a part-timer in that you can't expect him to keeps things tight. Then again Williams can be used as a stock bowler but I feel that the longer he bowls the easier it gets for the batmen. Mixing things up is never a mistake.

[Conant]

Burl averages over 40 in first class cricket that’s why he’s good Conant

Oh, God. Didn't he say LEADING UP TO THE MATCH?

2 half centuries leading up to the Test

And how many failures.

I would like to see the scoreboard. I know if he had made any innings of substance I would have recalled them .

And wasn't he in the A squad so that he can build on these "two half centuries" and stake a claim for the Test? He didn't.

Others were making centuries while hes making two half centuries in domestic cricket. You realize how weak that league is right, especially at the beginning of the season? Going by this logic might as well add Richmond Mutumbami, who too was given also given a chance to stake his claim based on more impressive Logan Cup figures but failed. Right?


Anyway, I would have loved to see how zimdoggy would defend his claims.

[brmtaylor.com admin]

That was average cricket from Williams. He looks pretty out of sorts with the bat.

[Bulawayo Boy]

If Waller doesn't score im sure he will be dropped. I think it will be a tight call between Chamu and PJ in the current squad. Don't know if PJ would handle the pace, also don't know if Chamu can handle the spin. I would personally pick Chamu to open with Mire then shift everybody 1 down with Hami at 3. Chamu can also get some overs in unlike PJ.

I actually quite like this suggestion. I always feel uneasy when I see Hami opening - it seems crazy to use your most experienced bat against a new cherry and the opposition's quickest bowlers. It's difficult facing the new ball. Surely we should be thinking "at what position can we get the most runs from each player." The only problem is that Hami is one of the few players CAPABLE of opening. I'm a huge fan of his but I do feel that we waste him at times. I still reckon he's got another 6 years in him. I hope we don't do the Zimbabwe thing and discard him as soon as he approaches his late 30s.

[pariah]

Did Mpofu get bowled for so few overs because he was taking no wickets? Or did he take no wickets because he bowled so few overs?

Which Test, the Sri Lanka one, this West Indies one or both? Have to be specific when referring to one of Heath's mascots