South Africa v Zimbabwe: 1st Twenty20 International
OUTsurance Oval, Bloemfontein, 8 October 2010
South Africa Squad: Johan Botha (capt), Loots Bosman, JP Duminy, Colin Ingram, Heino Kuhn (wk), David Miller, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Graeme Smith, Rusty Theron, Lonwabo Tsotsobe
Zimbabwe Squad: Elton Chigumbura (captain), Hamilton Masakadza, Chamu Chibhabha, Tatenda Taibu (wicketkeeper), Shingirai Masakadza, Ian Nicolson, Prosper Utseya, Graeme Cremer, Charles Coventry, Ed Rainsford, Chris Mpofu, Keith Dabengwa, Grant Flower, Brendan Taylor.
1. Hamilton Masakadza
2. Brendan Taylor
3. Sean Williams
4. Grant Flower
5. Tatenda Taibu
6. Charles Coventry
7. Elton Chigumbura
8. Prosper Utseya
9. Graeme Cremer
10. Ed Rainsford
11. Chris Mpofu
Neil Johnson, Alistair Campbell, Murray Goodwin, Andy Flower (w), Grant Flower, Dave Houghton, Guy Whittall, Heath Streak (c), Andy Blignaut, Ray Price, Eddo Brandes
Neil Johnson, Alistair Campbell, Murray Goodwin, Andy Flower (w), Grant Flower, Dave Houghton, Guy Whittall, Heath Streak (c), Andy Blignaut, Ray Price, Eddo Brandes
Looking forward to this series. The inclusion of Grant Flower is astonishing! Not necessarily in a bad way, but I didn't see it coming. Someone said on Twitter, "Who next? Traicos?" which I got a laugh out of.
The only reason I can think not to play him is because it stalls the development of a younger player, but that doesn't apply so much in cricket where the game is played tour-by-tour (as opposed to a premiership season). Grant Flower was my favourite player before Taylor, so I'm hoping his visa is sorted and we'll see the two play together.
I think all of us had thought the "era" was well and truly over about 6 years ago, so for us to possibly have one more chance at seeing a Flower in Zimbabwe colours is quite special.
Also, with New Zealand A touring - whoever's place Grant Flower has taken is playing high quality cricket. If he was ever going to play, this tour was probably the opportune time to see whether he could still play at international level. I don't think he will be judged too much on Twenty20 performances, it will be how he plays the ODIs that will make or break this decision - which is perhaps unfair considering there are only 3 ODIs. His role should not be to lead the batting, Taylor has stepped up to the plate quite nicely in that regard and until recently Masakadza has supported him well. I believe Flower's role is to impart knowledge and obviously experience, and to solidify through the middle order. As a floating upper-middle order batsman, the moment a collapse looks imminent (ie. 2 quick wickets), Flower comes to the crease and knuckles down. Sort of what Greg Lamb was doing, but Flower should be better at it.
I'll be particularly interested to see how Flower handles the SA quicks, like Steyn and Morkel. Reflexes diminish with age, and this is particularly evident when older batsmen face genuine fast bowling. Coming off county cricket, perhaps the effects will be less exaggerated. It will be interesting to watch.
I'm happy to hear that Chigumbura wants to play aggressive cricket. We need words, not actions though. For the 1st T20, I'd like to see this... unfortunately it seems a batsmen short, had Blignaut been available I would have had him in instead of Chibhabha.
1. H Masakadza
2. Taylor
3. Coventry
4. Taibu
5. Chigumbura
6. G Flower
7. Chibhabha
8. Cremer
9. Utseya
10. Rainsford
11. Mpofu
And while this is fresh in my mind, for the 1st ODI:
1. H Masakadza
2. Taylor
3. Williams
4. Taibu
5. G Flower
6. C Ervine
7. Chigumbura
8. Cremer
9. Utseya
10. Rainsford
11. Mpofu
Some notes: Taylor, Rainsford and Cremer are the key players. Without Price (who I've heard is on compassionate leave as his father is ill, not injured as some suggest) a fair bit more pressure rests on Cremer. Utseya is not a big wicket taker, so the onus is on Cremer to take wickets and keep it tight. Against quality opposition, this is a huge series for Cremer. Rainsford has been in great form, and we need him to continue taking big hauls if we are a realistic chance of getting a win or two. Taylor is the premier batsman in the team and will hopefully continue his good run of form. When you talk to non-Zimbabwean fans, consistently they say the batsman to shut down is Brendan Taylor - which just reaffirms how staggering it is that he didn't win the batsmen of the year award.
Perhaps Nicolson and S Masakadza will get a run in the T20's, I'm fearful that they will get hammered though. Twice now, S Masakadza has been exposed at international level, and that's by Ireland and West Indies. South Africa will be even more relentless. I'd prefer to have seen these guys play New Zealand A.
Well, that's my pre-series summary. Hopefully Zimbabwe plays some good cricket, a win would be a sign of extraordinary progress seeing SA have gone full strength this year.
Just found out I'm going to miss this - will be spending the day in hospital - so best of luck to Zim and may there be a pleasant surprise waiting for me when I get home...
Hey guys , i am supporter of Zim Cricket. Could you please tell me why Doug Marillier and Blignaught is not Considered?
I remember Doug playing speciality shot above keeper in match against India. Blignaught always looked a high class allrounder. What about Friend.
I also find that everyone from different countries are actually suggesting sean Ervine to play for Zim. Is there any way we can support like foroum and advise Sean to play.
I am sure if he plays great international cricket he can get IPL contracts and make more money than counties. All Zim players playing in county must be pushed to play for Zim by public demand. Wondering if there is any foroum to put the public demand to the ears of these cricketers.? I hope all of them play for Zim for World cup.
