Zimbabwe vs Ireland | Only Test | 25-29 July 2024

[Googly]

We've got a decent seam attack. All of them are wicket takers. I'd really like them to give Larry the new ball. Open with Larry and Richie. The left right combo and both get swing. Swing is king.
Blessing and TK extract bounce and rely less on swing.

Having said that the ball swung all day, it wasn't reverse either. You don't have to give them 5 overs ea first up. You could swap one or both out after they'd bowled 3 overs. TK is probably better in 3 over bursts. I'm still puzzling over how the Irish got it to swing more after lunch. They did pitch it up more, but it was hooping.

Where we fall short is the shite deliveries. As good as our seam attack is, and it is good, every single one of them serves up a buffet ball with alarming regularity and takes the pressure off.

It's a tricky one, it will be interesting what they decide to do. Larry on a good day in swinging conditions is still a very good bowler.

[Googly]

I did enjoy watching Adair. He's an outstanding bowler. Overlord and The Fat Prince of Belgravia played him beautifully.

[Googly]

You can't hide in tests. If you've got a weakness it will be exposed. Obviously this is our first real look at Bennett's technique. He fished at a few balls and really didn't look comfortable against the short ball, looked like he was fending them off. You can comfortably leave on length. He's a decent player, but there's a bit of polishing up to do there. They'd have taken note of that. I really hope the rain doesn't play a big part, I'm looking forward to see how he goes next dig and they'll have a plan for him.
Well not just him obviously, all of them.

[Pat_Bee]

I'm still puzzling over how the Irish got it to swing more after lunch. They did pitch it up more, but it was hooping.

Adair was spotted yesterday shining the ball inside his pocket on numerous occasions like who even does that?!

[ZIMDOGGY]

We see players in T20 deploy the forward defensive and nurdling it around for singles.

Then in Tests we see literally the same players swinging big from ball 1?!

There are no words.

It kinda makes sense in terms of field placings, I didnt watch the first day, but generally speaking, attacking test fields make it enticing to have a crack.
T20 They aim to minimise boundaries and are happy to give singles.

[secretzimbo]

PJ scoring big runs today is the most certain thing ever.

Tempted to get down to Moors World of Sport and bet my house on it

[CholeZimbo]

Just loose bowling as usual. We just not getting the basics right, bat and ball

[sam_ahm]

It will be terrible if Zimbabwe end up losing this test. Not looking good as of now.

[Googly]

PJ scoring big runs today is the most certain thing ever.

Tempted to get down to Moors World of Sport and bet my house on it

Ya they have a mini empire here with their betting license. They've done very well. They messed him around and it was sad for him, but not the end of the world. His pressures are not the same as anyone else's who are batting for their lives. Should enable him to play with a much clearer head.

[CalZim]

So that is why I don’t want Madande keeping at test level, I think there is enough said with that argument.

He will never be a great keeper he is just all we have in limited overs cricket.