We need to up the game: GF
Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 2:50 am
http://allafrica.com/stories/201201170970.html
ZIMBABWE cricket team batting coach Grant Flower believes the team will need to raise their game to turn the tables against hosts New Zealand in a month-long tour that begins this week. The two sides are set to clash in a one-off Test next week and will also play three One-Day Internationals and two Twenty20 matches in February.
Zimbabwe's travelling party, which included 15 players, left Harare yesterday on a journey that took them via Johannesburg, Qatar, and Australia. They are expected in New Zealand today.
Flower, a former Zimbabwe opening batsman, said the team has made significant strides in developing the game and now needs to start reaping rewards for their hard work. But he believes New Zealand are not easy opponents in their background. "I think this is very challenging because New Zealand are hard to beat in their own conditions. "It's going to be a big task but we are fairly well prepared for it," said Flower.
This will be Zimbabwe's first tour away from home since their return to Test cricket last year with a memorable 130-run win over Bangladesh at the Harare Sports Club. But they lost the next two Test matches to Pakistan and New Zealand. However, Zimbabwe will be hoping to raise their game in New Zealand to show they belong to the elite league. Zimbabwe's batting has improved in recent times and last year they turned on an inspired show in a record chase as they hunted down New Zealand's 329 to win by one wicket with one ball remaining in the third ODI at Queens Sports Club. They also gave a spirited fightback in the Test match which they lost by 34 runs despite an aggressive batting performance inspired by skipper Brendan Taylor's ton.
Flower said the players should get used to the spotlight to achieve their goal. "Playing Test cricket means we are continuously being watched and assessed," said Flower. "It's something these guys have got to get used to. So we always need to be prepared mentally and perform to our best. "We played well against them the last time and we hope to improve on that. "I believe it was a combination of hard work and executing skills well under pressure, which all comes from mental toughness. "We have got to adapt quickly to the conditions because the ball swings pretty quickly in New Zealand at this time."
Zimbabwe have in their fold a number of experienced players like Ray Price, Tatenda Taibu, Hamilton Masakadza, Elton Chigumbura and will reunite with captain Taylor who has been playing T20 cricket in New Zealand. The 25-year-old batsman has had a fruitful stint with the bat playing for Wellington Firebirds during the HRV Cup in the last few weeks. Zimbabwe will play New Zealand XI in a three-day warm-up game starting this Saturday.
Assistant coach Stephen Mangongo believes the Test match that comes afterwards, from January 26-30, will provide the real litmus test. Despite missing opening batsman Vusi Sibanda, who was ineligible for selection in line with the ZC Cricket Committee policy, Mangongo said they have a balanced side. Seamers Brian Vitori, Kyle Jarvis and Shingi Masakadza are expected to spearhead the attack. "This tour is important in terms of playing and adapting to new conditions in Test cricket. "It's a real test for us and at the same time it's an opportunity to prove ourselves. "We need to play and win these games time and again if we want to be respected. Self-belief is important in this regard. "It's fantastic to be in the position of the underdogs because there is less pressure," said Mangongo.