[Match thread] Only Test - Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh

[FlowerPower]

At least with Jarvis over Meth they can't be accused of defensive selection.

My issue is Meth is just as useful with the ball (wicket taking) and has better control and can bat, hence my bafflement. Now if Jarvis was markedly more prolific (wicket wise) then I'd say ok, we can risk the runs, but he isnt...I am truly baffled somewhat...

[Maweni]

Jarvis definetely knows the right people.
Also, have you seen Vusi? He's gotta have the sexiest technique around. Did you see those leaves? Even that on-drive-no one's ever made a shot look that good.

[Maweni]

have you seen Vusi? He's gotta have the sexiest technique around. Did you see those leaves? Even that on-drive-no one's ever made a shot look that good.

Did you see THAT ondrive?

[brmtaylor.com admin]

Lovely on-drive Vusi

[foreignfield]

Vusi's on song, oh-oh!!!

[brmtaylor.com admin]

And a nice pull shot to follow up.

Now Mawoyo in on the act, cutting for 4 Not the most convincing shot, but they all count!

[zimfan1]

Shot of the day by Vusi a nice on drive for 4, good start so far with these two happy to leave the ball outside the off stump. Very important to get through this first hours.

The pitch seems to be playing ok barring the odd delivery which nips away on the seem, be interesting to see if spin comes into the attack in the near future. These boys just need to carry on fighting.

[Maweni]

Yeh, Mawoyo needs to chill, you can't go looking for the drive like that, gotta be in control of every shot, at least until you get to 30-50.

[brmtaylor.com admin]

After 11 overs:

Zimbabwe RR 4.09

I didn't predict that!

The good thing is, the batsmen have put away the bad balls.

[hhm]

The team's been selected so no use for us to dwell too much over it. Let's hope Tino, Jarvis & Vitori come through. Meth vs Jarvis, Meth will lose any day. Meth gives you control, economy & swing plus wickets(which to some extent you can get from Mpofu & Vitori), but Jarvis, despite being less economical, is THE impact bowler - strikes and gives the batsmen some discomfort. He can boss the opposition. None of the other bowlers really have that and we need it. That is why, whatever happens in this Test match, Jarvis will be our MVP in the bowling department for many years to come. Mpofu is a permanent fixture right now, so the proper way to look at it is Vitori vs Meth, and Vitori got the nod. I hope it doesn't backfire. They lost the toss, and batting will be easier day two & three (since we have just one specialist spinner). We might have to bat long in our second innings to build a lead or leave little time for Bangladesh to win, so we might rue not having the extra batsman and the long tail. They've picked two good spinners. Anyway, you all know my position: Elton + Meth + Mpofu + Price. I wouldn't have gone for the extra seamer.

Looking ok so far. Tino's survived some great balls and duly punished some loose ones. And yes Maweni Vusi looks the part, always has. Those leaves and drives are a marvel to watch aren't they. I'm happy we're back on the big stage!