LOGAN CUP 2017-18 : Full Squad Of Five Teams

[TapsC]

I wonder if all these guys are actually contracted. Definitely looks like there is more structure this time around. Midwest rhinos look really strong. Mountaineers also have a solid unit.

I feel like they should have added Taylor Mire and Jarvis to the rising stars just to add some firepower. If the standard of cricket wasn't good enough overseas they might become the whipping boys. It will be interesting to see how Burl and Musakanda handle the pressure of having to score runs every week. Might actually build some much needed character. Their bowling unit is decent with Mumba Ngarava Mavuta and Muzarabani but their batting is extremely thin. Jongwe Kunje and ainsley ndlovu could have been included as well.

Looks Mire is back in Zim too. I guess Getting Aussie citizenship has given him some security

[eugene]

No chance for Ryan Murray, Daniel Jakiel, Mark Olonga, Candle Light, Jeremy Ives, Gary Snyder, Ryan Ervine, Callum Prince and Martin Sly

Jakiel and Olonga are far too good for Logan Cup drudgery.

[pariah]

Surely it would have made more sense to bring back the Southern Rocks and spread the rising stars around each franchise? Unless of course Taibu doesn't trust the coaching at each franchise?

Yeah I agree, was thinking about it yesterday I actually forgot to post.

It makes more sense to spread the youths across the squads to pair them with more experienced players

So you agree with me? I told you the Pakistani and Taibu made a stupid move here.

[Googly]

Those are big squads for a comparatively small number of games. I’m predicting quite a few of those chaps just warming the benches. I wonder what a middle of the road salary is? Brad Wadlan and Matthew Green are interesting additions. Brad has done well here, but hasn’t broken into the mainstream there and I googled Matt Green and he seems to be more of a coach these days.

[Googly]

James Bruce is a good player. I haven’t seen him for a while, but he had a lot of potential. Where are the U19’s?

[pariah]

First of all, where is Chisoro???

My XIs. I'll update them as I pick up names I may have missed
TUSKERS:Raza, Craig, Sean, Chari, Mutumbami(c-wk), Jongwe, Nkosana/Kunje/Handirisi, Vitori, Nyumbu, Chris, Chimhamhiwa

EAGLES:Maunze, Chirimuuta, Chamu, Elton, Chakabva(wk), Mutombodzi(c), Gumbi, Nathan, Musoko, Chikomba, Mufudza

MOUNTAINEERS:Mawoyo(c), Hami, Vusi, Maruma, Mutizwa(wk), Kasuza, InnocentKaia, Shingi, Chatara, Tiripano/M'shangwe, Wellington

RHINOS:Taylor, Moor, Malcolm, Mire, Masvaure, Cremer(c), Madziva, Mayavo(wk), Panyangara, Jarvis, Chinouya

RISING STARS:Burl, Kamunhukamwe, Musakanda(c), Mupariwa, Mashinge, Tsiga(wk), Mavuta, Mumba, Muzarabani, Ngarava, Magarira

These youngsters get to play while some top talent sits and warms the bench. I've tried to make it logical, such that if an Ainsley Ndlovu misses out at the Tuskers, it's understandable when a Mavuta or Magarira plays because the potential is the same. However, Tendai Maruma made huge strides last season if I remember correctly. It makes no sense for him to miss out. Same applies with two of Handirisi, Nkosana and Kunje. Most importantly, one of M'shangwe or Wellington shouldn't be warming the bench while any of those Rising Stars play. That's just tragic!

Anyway regarding their strength, Mashinge and Mavuta will have to do a lot with the bat because the Rising Stars have just 4 specialist batsmen really, with Tsiga questionable. I think the Rising Stars will definitely have an attack that can rival the Eagles and the Tuskers.

My verdict for the champions, the Mountaineers will lose only to themselves! Only Hami and Chatara will be picked by Streak, which is sad in itself! A bit like Springboks picking just 2 Lions players, or Spain picking just 2 players from Madrid/Barca. I'd be very interested in a rest of the Logan Cup vs Mountaineers.

NB: The seniors definitely have to bat higher. Guys like Chari, Innocent and Kasuza need to be given every opportunity not chucked to Vitori, Shingi and Panyangara. Exceptions: Chamu and Elton will do a lot of bowling for the thin Eagles attack, while Regis will definitely be fielding for long (unless vs Rising Stars) because Eagles just don't have the attack to be bowling teams out cheaply, otherwise those 3 would have batted higher. Likewise Malcolm would have opened, but he'll help Cremer a lot in a seam-heavy side.

I'll also be looking forward to seeing Cremer and Madziva bat higher. They have to, and can! Maybe if Chisoro is added to that lineup, Moor can drop to 5th and take the gloves, with Malcolm joining Taylor to open, and Mire at first drop. Prince in my view is a better bowler than both Mire and Malcolm, so he'll do more bowling hence bats lower.

[auszim]

Probably the best thread on here in a while. Good banter and no one being a doosh...yet.

Looking forward to the start of the season. If rhinos field a strong side first up, ZRS won't have time to be nervous and find their feet. Having said that, they are probably the most match ready team of the whole comp, which I'm hoping counts for something.

[eugene]

Surely it would have made more sense to bring back the Southern Rocks and spread the rising stars around each franchise? Unless of course Taibu doesn't trust the coaching at each franchise?

Yeah I agree, was thinking about it yesterday I actually forgot to post.

It makes more sense to spread the youths across the squads to pair them with more experienced players

So you agree with me? I told you the Pakistani and Taibu made a stupid move here.

You occasionally come to your senses and agree with me!

[The Robot]

Rising Stars are promishing side, no need to include any seniors this season, instead they should include some under 19 youths, keeping in mind the under 19 world cup 2018.


Greatest Move Of the domestic season, Mutumbami will be leading the Tuskers

[eugene]

They should ditch all the experienced players and have five franchises worth of Rising Stars.