ZIM-BD-SL Tri Series 2018: Pre-series Discussion

[eugene]

Yes, Williams is a utility player whose bowling has come up pretty well in the last couple of years - specially giving us a decent balance in the shorter formats, but eugene's point stands in the sense that there is not even one innings that makes Williams stand out - against top opposition. He hasn't carried us home while the other big names have. And it is not for the lack of opportunities too. Heck, even Waller has that 99* vs NZ to talk about and a couple of T20 blitzes against an improved BD. It is not a mere coincidence that it gets difficult to remember his match winning knocks.

Having said that, he is still an asset for the shorter formats, especially in spinning conditions.

I am all for Williams being given more chances, but no one can really complain about him being dropped. His form of late has been poor and the modes of his dismissals have been pathetic. He just gives away his wicket.

[CrimsonAvenger]

Yes, Williams is a utility player whose bowling has come up pretty well in the last couple of years - specially giving us a decent balance in the shorter formats, but eugene's point stands in the sense that there is not even one innings that makes Williams stand out - against top opposition. He hasn't carried us home while the other big names have. And it is not for the lack of opportunities too. Heck, even Waller has that 99* vs NZ to talk about and a couple of T20 blitzes against an improved BD. It is not a mere coincidence that it gets difficult to remember his match winning knocks.

Having said that, he is still an asset for the shorter formats, especially in spinning conditions.

I am all for Williams being given more chances, but no one can really complain about him being dropped. His form of late has been poor and the modes of his dismissals have been pathetic. He just gives away his wicket.

+1

[ZIMFAN]

I honestly don't get the Williams hate. Yes, he is flaky and gives his wicket is way, but is not as if there are guys banging down the door and averaging 40+ in international cricket who are being left out for him. His bowling is more than useful too.

What has never been answered by me is why he is no longer in favour. I always found his "feeling unwell" dropping before the second WI test interesting. Always suspected there was more to it than that. If anyone knows would love to know.

[Kriterion_BD]

I honestly don't get the Williams hate. Yes, he is flaky and gives his wicket is way, but is not as if there are guys banging down the door and averaging 40+ in international cricket who are being left out for him. His bowling is more than useful too.

What has never been answered by me is why he is no longer in favour. I always found his "feeling unwell" dropping before the second WI test interesting. Always suspected there was more to it than that. If anyone knows would love to know.

I think I brought this subject up, and just want to reiterate/clarify that I don't think Williams should be dropped per se. Personally, I'd like to see him in the XI due to his bowling and also because as mediocre as he is with the bat, there is little evidence the alternatives are much better. Burl could perhaps contest this point, but again Burl has yet to prove he's definitively better than Williams with either bat or ball.

What I am saying is that Williams will likely not affect the outcome of any games whether he plays or not. Taylor, Mire, Cremer, Ervine, Hamilton are all game-changing players for ZIM. One could arguably add Chatara and Jarvis to that list as well. Perhaps even Chisoro based on his T20 performances.

[Kriterion_BD]

Advantage Zimbabwe

70% of the first XI players plays domestic cricket in Bangladesh & BPL
nearly every year.

Heath Streak's stinct as an ex Bangladesh Bowling Coach, knowing the conditions very well.

I've mentioned this before. Any BD-ZIM series in Bangladesh gives considerable familiarity with pitch conditions and local players given the extensive exposure of ZIM players (Hammy, Taylor, Waller, Raza, Cremer) in our domestic competitions. DPL seasons are 2 months long and BPL features 15 games per team per season so there is ample opportunity.

SL also enjoys the same benefits. PAK too has a lot of their players getting exposure to Bangladeshi conditions, not that SL or PAK conditions are markedly different.

[Jemisi]

I am away for most of this series. Hope we manage a win at least. Cheers fellas.

[zimfan1]

Mavuta, Murray and Blessing named in the 15 man squad.

[Zero76]

Didn't even know Murray was currently eligible for selection.

[zimfan1]

Mavuta, Murray and Blessing named in the 15 man squad.

No Big Bully but BT and Jarvis return to the ODI squad.

[Kriterion_BD]

Mavuta, Murray and Blessing named in the 15 man squad.

Sounds like 3 sensible selections. who are the other 12?