Test XI - Windies series

[Googly]

Why? He hasn't done enough....yet. He'd have to have really impressed someone to get a game on the back of his showing so far.

[secretzimbo]

Arguably worth having a look at him in this 'XI'/A squad, but definitely not deserving of a place in the main Test squad. There would be uproar if he was selected after 1 good game, and quite rightly.

[jaybro]

Another really powerful wakeup call or reminder of the difference between International cricket and Logan Cup. On a deck like this one at BAC, you should be able to do a lot better than what these guys have put out.

It's really of no surprise that the batsman can't deal with fast bowling, heck the national team guys could barely deal with Josh Little and he's by no means express that's for sure. But without a flurry of young bowlers who can bowl fast (and accurate) or the procurement of some bowling machines, this issue will continue to 'be an issue' for ZC.

They can't under any circumstances pick Wes for the Test series, not just for the team but for his own good. Imagine having scored 3-ducks in a row to start your career, then being so out of form he's forgotten how to hold a bat, then walking out in a Test match to face someone like Joseph or Roach with the scores at 4-20 or something!

TBH, if Burl & Raza are not available, this is going to be real ugly for Zimbabwe in this Test series.

[Donald]

I would have made Burl play first test to be fair before williams come back for 2nd.

Kaia will be a nice addition to test side as well as Brad Evans

[jaybro]

This is also why Zimbabwe simply can't afford to turn their backs on someone like PJ Moor. I know I've been beating his drum for a while, whilst many others seem to think he's not worth the hassle. But Moor has a Test average of 35+ and has scored runs against this very pace attack from the Windies (minus Joseph)

With Burl, Raza & Williams all likely to be missing the first Test, I'd feel a lot more comfortable if PJ was coming into the line-up rather than Maruma or an out of form Wes.

[CrimsonAvenger]

There's no denying Moor's value in the test setup with the regulars being away. His approach suits this format the best. He also stepped up a couple of notches whenever he turned out in the whites for Zim.

[TapsC2]

I'm hoping Shumba comes good. It's very difficult to even think of a team which will be competitive without Raza and Williams. At full strength I didn't think Burl makes the 11 so I understand why they were fine with him going. The issue is this was what we were thinking 3 months ago. Burl has found a bit of form whilst Wes can't buy a run.

The problem right now is Williams' injury. Both of them can't be given NOCs if Williams can't play. So when some people suggested Williams might make the second test and Raza asked to skip the second test it made a lot of sense to me. I would be very surprised if ZC just says they skip both tests if Williams is 100% out.

I think a lot will depend on how Shumba and Maruma(yes him) play today. They will probably follow on so whoever shows some guys today will probably play if Burl and Raza are out.

For me they have to sit down with the 2 guys and compromise. They should play at least 1 game

[Googly]

With the sidearm any batter can face more or less any pace they like, bowling machines are not as important. What is important is to invest in Merlins that can replicate the world's best spinners, past and present. I'm really surprised Houghton and Kirby haven't yet persuaded ZC to buy a couple.
Also if you're going to face someone chucking a sidearm at 145 every day you're going to get hit. You've only got so many hits in you before it stops being fun and a bit of fear creeps in. The second that happens you've lost something.
The world's best batters don't rush to step into the quick bowlers' net either, they'd rather save the adrenaline for the middle. 135 grams at 150 can do some serious damage.

Also a cricket ball off astra is way uglier in terms of pace than off grass. It's not often you get a decent grass net here as well. I dunno if that's a world wide problem, but I've seen batters have to practice in lethal nets. There's no upside to that. The second a batsman gets put off all he's now doing is dealing with an internal mental conflict of fear. You can be imparting whatever pearls of wisdom from the other end but he will just be thinking - shut the fuck up, let me get through this without getting pinned.

I'm also surprised a sidearm bowling machine hasn't been made. It makes a huge difference seeing the arc of a sidearm or arm instead of a machine suddenly spitting out an ugly ball.

What can't be replicated are tense match situations where you're facing fiery accurate 140-150 bowling from both ends with a new cherry.
Kemar Roach is not that quick anymore, he's reinvented himself as a deadly accurate medium pacer.

It's also possible that they were a bit over awed. If they had the luxury of playing a series against them you'd find they'd settle down and do much better.

I'm curious what ball is being used for this game? The big countries use Kookaburra or Duke at $80 or more and we use a Chikumba (I think?). If you're not used to the expensive balls it's a snag because they behave differently.
The Chinese need to exactly replicate these Dukes and Kookaburras and churn them out at a dollar each, their cost is an absolute joke. I'm all in favor of a company being rewarded for their R&D but these guys pull the piss .
Same with cricket bats- in what world should a piece of wood cost 500 dollars?

The reality is that once a guy is facing 145 plus you're approaching the limit of human ability and reactions, there are only a few guys that have the inherent ability and skills. Now factor in a dodgy pitch and a swinging ball and that number gets halved.

That was all over the show, but its pre-coffee.


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[Googly]

You think they'll follow on? I'd be surprised if WI give us batting practice. I reckon they'll bat and stick in the guys who didn't get much

[mnelson68]

This is horrific. Feel sorry for the selectors having to pick a couple from this bunch to join the main squad

None of these guys are up to playing test cricket imo. the only one i would have considered is Madhevere but he has completely lost all confidence and needs to reset.