Zimbabwe Vs West Indies | 1st Test | 4-8 Feb 2023 | Bulawayo

[zimbos_05]

I not convinced the batting is weaker than the bowling to be honest, I think it depends on the pitch and the conditions to where the team performs the best. On a flat deck the bowling really really struggles, yet we've seen the batting line-up do quite well in places like Pakistan &Sri Lanka where the decks are flat.

Even during the Ireland series, the batting was actually pretty good, but the likes of Balbirnie and Tector scored runs at ease against the Zim bowlers. I know Dave thinks the bowling is strong and the batting is the weak point, he knows more than me but that's just my opinion.

We'll agree to disagree on this one.

[Googly]

Predictions for today?
WI slow start last night didn't fill me with confidence, but if they go at 4's they could declare at lunch and set us a target to chase that requires 5-6 an over for 50-60 overs.

In theory it could be a very entertaining day of cricket.
That excellent declaration confused the West Indian think tank. Maybe they needed the break so Houghton could explain to them what the plan is.

[Googly]

I'd have bowled Mavuta last night, I think that was an error, but maybe he can't grip the new ball?

[Googly]

Weather apps are 80% chance of afternoon rain, but its blue sky

[sam_ahm]

How sad it is that we are having such a good testatch going on and Raza, Burl are playing for some shit T20 league team. I think Sikki and Burl could have been a handful on this track with the ball. Wellington was not needed and probably Makoni could have sat out for Sikki.

[Googly]

When Ballance gets all his confidence back and is 100% in the right frame of mind. He is going to be a serious serious problem. He will definitely average 50 plus. Rarely looks in any sort of trouble. A quality addition to the team. Real quality.

Ya GB is different gravy. We haven't seen a batsman of his calibre since AF and Murray Goodwin.
We could not have hoped for a better start from him. A couple of low scores and his head would have had big bees.

[jaybro]

We'll agree to disagree on this one.

We rarely do agree

[jaybro]

Predictions for today?
WI slow start last night didn't fill me with confidence, but if they go at 4's they could declare at lunch and set us a target to chase that requires 5-6 an over for 50-60 overs.

In theory it could be a very entertaining day of cricket.
That excellent declaration confused the West Indian think tank. Maybe they needed the break so Houghton could explain to them what the plan is.

The pitch isn't conducive for fast run scoring or attacking bowling, so unfortunately I expect this game to end up in a draw with either the rain washing out the last session or the players shaking hands with an hour to go.

Zimbabwe should however see this as a golden chance to play with zero consequences, the Windies are known for being laid back and complacent, so there's every chance their middle order batters don't have their heads in the game. Breaking the opening partnership is the key to breaking the game open.

[secretzimbo]

How sad it is that we are having such a good testatch going on and Raza, Burl are playing for some shit T20 league team. I think Sikki and Burl could have been a handful on this track with the ball. Wellington was not needed and probably Makoni could have sat out for Sikki.

Wellington never getting any credit again He and Mavuta bowled beautifully in partnership together for a long time. The pressure he built at one end (literally never bowls a bad ball) surely contributed to Mavuta’s wickets at the other end.

[secretzimbo]

Very cloudy, very humid, early morning start. If Nyauchi can’t take a wicket now then he might as well give up - these are supposed to be the conditions he thrives in