Some of us did think of picking a Maruma-less lineup by forcing Tiripano to open and sliding Shumba down the order or bringing the specialist keeper etc. Clearly they wanted the "cushion" of a specialist batter in the lineup and picked Maruma.
Looking back, it would have been better off playing Regis as a pure batsman given the lack of experience in the batting lineup and playing Gumbie. Gumbie for Maruma as a single change would have been better than what it ended up as.
For sure, this is the end for Maruma, and most likely Kaia as well, once all the big names are back.
Some of us did think of picking a Maruma-less lineup by forcing Tiripano to open and sliding Shumba down the order or bringing the specialist keeper etc. Clearly they wanted the "cushion" of a specialist batter in the lineup and picked Maruma.
Looking back, it would have been better off playing Regis as a pure batsman given the lack of experience in the batting lineup and playing Gumbie. Gumbie for Maruma as a single change would have been better than what it ended up as.
For sure, this is the end for Maruma, and most likely Kaia as well, once all the big names are back.
According to some in the know journos on a radio show here last weekend, the plan at that point was that Regis & Shumba were opening (Regis also keeping wicket), which would have allowed an additional bowler (spinner). I guess the loss of Ervine & Williams however meant they wanted a longer batting line up, so Kaitano came in to open allowing Regis back down the order and an extra batter overall.
Gumbie is a poor cricketer, he would be an even worse selection than Maruma I reckon. If thats even possible.
Last edited by secretzimbo on Sun Jul 11, 2021 10:07 am, edited 1 time in total.
According to some in the know journos on a radio show here last weekend, the plan at that point was that Regis & Shumba were opening (Regis also keeping wicket), which would have allowed an additional bowler (spinner). I guess the loss of Ervine & Williams however meant they wanted a longer batting line up, so Kaitano came in to open allowing Regis back down the order and an extra batter overall.
Yes, those two guys getting ruled out really cost us. Something radical has to happen to work on the bench strength. This is pretty scary even as talent seems to be coming through.
Now that this match is a foregone conclusion, I can ask a question that was bothering me from the beginning of this match. Why on earth did BD pick Ebadot? This match has taken his bowling average to 100+!!! I've only followed his game in some Zim encounters and he is nothing special. But surely, if there was ever a Maruma-esque selection in another team, it must be this? At least Zim was forced to select Maruma in this match because there was no other half-decent batsman available. But why Ebadot?
