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Posted: **Sat Dec 27, 2014 1:05 am**

Hi, everyone. I hope you all had a great Christmas & are doing well. It's great to be back in ZCF once again.

All these years, lot has happened & mostly I was out. My busy life schedule, low volume of international cricket fixture for Zimbabwe, a bit of my interest was lost owing to the retirements of several players likes of Raymond Price, Kyle Jarvis, Graeme Cremer & many more. I was deeply saddened when Mark Vermeulen quit & brought to an end to the last connection we had to the glorious era. Brendan Taylor isn't anymore the shorter formats captain which I still can't understand. There was a cut in coaching panel letting go quality coaches like Heath Streak & Grant Flower.

On the positives, Craig Ervine & Greg Lamb returned to the fold. I always hope for more players coming back at least the likes of Grame Cremer, Charles Coventry, Keegan Meth, Ryan Butterworth to increase the competition of domestic circuit.

The Heath Streak cricket academy is inaugurated in Bulawayo where Gavin Ewing coaches.

It's great that Stephen Mangongo is axed. The problem with him was his continuous conflicts with players (Dropping Panyangara for Johnson bouncer video, Before that there was another report, the worst dropping one of the standout performers Sean Williams), bizarre selection (Persisting with Maruma, Selecting Chari over Kasuza, Changes are fine when the team is losing but he had too many unreasonable changes in every game).

It will be a big boost if Dav Whatmore is appointed the head coach & Dave Houghton the batting coach (I'm unsure as he has Middlesex CCC job ?). I'll still offer Murray Goodwin to play one last WC for Zimbabwe as player/coach. I like the bowling coach Douglas Hondo. Shame his playing career ended for injuries.

I prefer the following coaching panel for WC 2015:

Head Coach: Dav Whatmore/Andy Waller
Batting Coach: Murray Goodwin (Player/Coach)/Dave Houghton/Alistair Campbell
Bowling Coach: Douglas Hondo
Consultants: Andy Waller, Alistair Campbell, Gary Brent, Wayne James

I feel Zim should take maximum brains possible with them along with the position consultants for WC 2015. I think Goodwin or Houghton won't be signed.

My Zimbabwe Squad:

1. Brendan Taylor (VC+WK)
2. Sikander Raza
3. Hamilton Masakadza
4. Sean Williams
5. Solomon Mire
6. Craig Ervine
7. Elton Chigumbura (C)
8. Ryan Burl
9. Tinashe Panyangara
10. Tendai Chatara
11. Donald Tiripano/Nevile Madziva (If Tiripano remains injured)

Reserves:
12. Malcolm Waller
13. Regis Chakabva (WK)
14. Tafadzwa Kamungozi/Prosper Utseya (Unlikely, won't make it unless his off spin is approved legal, if it's approved then will be in the starting XI)
15. Brian Vitori

More covers for injuries, not part of the 15 man squad:
Batting > Sibanda, Kasuza
Pace > Madziva, Chinuoya, Musoko, Mupariwa
Spin > Nyumbu, Munyede

Please no Timycen Maruma. Despite being a wicket taking option, Shingirai Masakadza won't be considered I guess because often he bowls wayward. Potential players who are covers likes of Kasuza, Musoko, Munyede should be part of the devolpment squad or emerging squad & groomed for future.

I will be looking forward to your Zimbabwe WC 2015 squad including the players & recommended coaching panel.

It will be exciting to read the views of brmtaylor.com admin, maehara, sloandog, eugene (Always like your comments), Crimson Avenger, zimfan1, Dr Situ, Train Driver & all the superb guys I missed.

Posted: **Sat Dec 27, 2014 4:07 am**

Great to have you back Detective.

Starting XI

1. Brendan Taylor (our best player needs to solve our biggest problem - opening)
2. Sikandar Raza (an attacking option at the top, good for small boundaries in NZ)
3. Hamilton Masakadza (his preferred spot)
4. Sean Williams (our best player to anchor the middle order)
5. Craig Ervine (good accumulator)
6. Solomon Mire (has impressed so far)
7. Elton Chigumbura (the captain, so an automatic selection)
8. Prosper Utseya (if cleared)
9. Tinashe Panyangara (Mr. reliable)
10. Tendai Chatara (strike bowler)
11. Michael Chinouya (have a feeling he might do well)

12. Regis Chakabva (performed well in NZ last time)
13. Ryan Burl (worth a shot)
14. Vusi Sibanda (yeah, I know)
15. Brian Vitori (had to choose someone who can bowl fast)

Coach: Andy Waller (already familiar with players)
Bowling coach: Gary Brent
Batting coach: Dave Houghton
Advisor to keep ZC admin and selectors at bay: Alistair Campbell
Technical staff: Doug Hondo, Wayne James

Posted: **Sat Dec 27, 2014 4:11 am**

# Eugene, if Utseya isn't cleared then who will you take in his place ?

Posted: **Sat Dec 27, 2014 4:22 am**

Detective RDS wrote:# Eugene, if Utseya isn't cleared then who will you take in his place ?

Malcolm Waller - if he is cleared.

Nyumbu is then the next one up.

Posted: **Sat Dec 27, 2014 4:36 am**

Updates on Prosper Utseya. Found this:
http://www.sundaynews.co.zw/utseya-joyo ... clearance/

Utseya joyous at ICC clearance
by Sunday News Reporter | Sunday, Dec 14, 2014 | 123 views

FORMER Zimbabwe senior national cricket team captain Prosper Utseya is an excited man after being cleared to bowl once more in international cricket by the International Cricket Council.
Utseya was given the green light to roll his arm over in international matches after undergoing remedial tests at the Sri Ramachandra University in Chennai, India on 23 November. The 29-year-old is still not allowed to bowl off spin which in the latest tests was still found to be beyond the 15 degrees limit for bowlers. He can only bowl his newly developed mystery action, a mixture of leg spin and pace bowling, the same as that of Sri Lankan Ajantha Mendis and Sunile Narine of the West Indies.

The ex Zimbabwe skipper disclosed that he was happy that he can now play cricket at international level again with his focus now firmly set on making it into Zimbabwe’s final squad of 15 players for next year’s ICC Cricket World Cup to be staged in Australia and New Zealand.

Concerns have been raised as to whether after so much scrutiny to his bowling act, Utseya can still be effective as he was before but the bowler believes that he even offers more than he was prior to being called for having an illegal bowling action as his new action now offers him some variety.

“I can only bowl mystery spin, which is a combination of leg spin and pace, I have not been cleared to bowl off spin, my action is now similar to that of Mendis and Narine. I would be more effective, now I have a lot more variations, I would be a better bowler with this type of bowling action. They can take away my off spin but I can make the new action work for me, will still perform even better,’’ Utseya said.

“I am happy that at least I can play cricket, I can focus on the World Cup, I can add value to the team, I was disappointed with the performance in Bangladesh and I have learnt to adjust. I can face challenges and overcome, play as if it’s the last game, you never know what the future holds, I am now mentally tougher because of this experience,’’ added Utseya.

Prior to being cleared, Utseya had already been named in Zimbabwe provisional squad of 30 players for the Cricket World Cup which was announced last Tuesday.

He expressed his gratitude to his employers Zimbabwe Cricket for the support that they have offered during the two months.

“ZC have been really supportive, they got me to go to South Africa where I worked on my bowling action and to India for the retest, I am really humbled by their kind gesture,’’ Utseya said.

The bowler resumed training on his own in Harare last Friday in preparation for his club Takashinga’s tour of Uganda where he would be a player/coach. Takashinga leave the country tomorrow for east Africa where they will play the Ugandan national team in five 50 over matches.

Utseya’s troubles started in August when he was reported for a suspect bowling action by the umpires during the third One Day International between Zimbabwe and South Africa at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The match officials had issues with his faster delivery and arm ball.

He went for tests at the Cardiff Metropolitan University in Wales with the scrutiny to his action revealing that he flexed his elbow beyond the 15 degrees permitted leading to him being prohibited from bowling in international cricket at the beginning of October.

After his ban, Utseya started to look at ways in which he could change his bowling action, spent two weeks working with South African coach Justin Summons in Johannesburg and turned out for Soweto Cricket Club to try out his new action.

Nicknamed “Mr Dots” because of the miserly spells he usually bowls in the shorter versions of the game, Utseya has picked up a combined 164 wickets in international cricket from four Tests, 156 ODIs and 29 Twenty20 Internationals. Called “Rowdy” by his local opponents which he actually believes is an opposite of what he is had since he made his international debut in 2004 never been previously reported for a suspect bowling action.

Posted: **Sat Dec 27, 2014 4:39 am**

Good to have you back RDS, here's my 15:

Brendan Taylor (wk)
Sikandar Raza
Hamilton Masakadza
Craig Ervine
Sean Williams
Elton Chigumbura (C)
Solomon Mire
Brian Vitori
Tinashe Panyangara
Tendai Chatara
John Nyumbu

Regis Chakabva (reserve wk)
Tawanda Mupariwa
Ryan Burl
Tafadzwa Kamungozi

Coaches:
Head: Waller
Batting: Houghton
Bowling: Brent
Assistant: Hondo

I don't think Utseya will be cleared for his stock off spin bowling, so sadly we will have to plan without him. I've not lost faith in Nyumbu, he can be a very good attacking option - and if that does not come off, Kamungozi is there to play the container role. Williams and Raza to cover up the spin department too.

Mupariwa deserves to be there. The guy can do nothing more. and the NZ pitches will suit him very well. I've made my plans about Vitori, the pinch hitting all rounder very clear in previous posts. So, no place for Chinouya, who appears to be out of touch anyway. Also, Tiripano is out with back injury, so he won't be back soon. We have three decent bowling options in the batting line up too, with golden arm Hammy, Chigs and Mire.

I'll include Chakabva ahead of Richie solely due to NZ and Aus experience, although I still firmly believe he has a lot to learn in limited overs format. And Burl gets in, has definitely looked more prolific than the all-or-nothing Moor. Don't be surprised if Stuey Matsikenyeri sneaks in instead of him though, best thing about his latest local comeback has been his consistency.

Posted: **Sat Dec 27, 2014 8:58 am**

Detective RDS wrote: He can only bowl his newly developed mystery action, a mixture of leg spin and pace bowling, the same as that of Sri Lankan Ajantha Mendis and Sunile Narine of the West Indies.
“I can only bowl mystery spin, which is a combination of leg spin and pace, I have not been cleared to bowl off spin, my action is now similar to that of Mendis and Narine. I would be more effective, now I have a lot more variations, I would be a better bowler with this type of bowling action. They can take away my off spin but I can make the new action work for me, will still perform even better,’’ Utseya said.

What the...
To be honest, I never expected this

But it's not a bad idea. If he's effective with his new action, he may well get a look-in.

My Squad :

1.Brendan Taylor(wk)
2.Sikandar Raza
3.Hamilton Masakadza
4.Elton Chigumbura(c)
5.Craig Ervine
6.Sean Williams
7.Solomon Mire
8.Prosper Utseya(our own mystery spinner

, if he's still as effective as he once was)
9.Tawanda Mupariwa
10.Tinashe Panyagara
11.Tendai Chatara
12.Brian Vitori
13.Regis Chakabva(reserve wk)
14.Kamungozi/Nyumbu/Mufudza/Musoko/Shingi (one of these guys - I'd prefer Kamungozi)
15.Sibanda/Matsikenyeri/Mutumbami/Burl (one of these guys)

I would have selected Chinouya too, but he's injured...

Coach : Dav Whatmore/Andy Waller/Dave Houghton
Batting Coach : Murray Goodwin
Bowling Coach : Douglas Hondo, Gary Brent
Consultants : Alistair Campbell, Wayne James

Posted: **Sat Dec 27, 2014 9:44 am**

CrimsonAvenger wrote:Good to have you back RDS, here's my 15:

Brendan Taylor (wk)
Sikandar Raza
Hamilton Masakadza
Craig Ervine
Sean Williams
Elton Chigumbura (C)
Solomon Mire
Brian Vitori
Tinashe Panyangara
Tendai Chatara
John Nyumbu

Regis Chakabva (reserve wk)
Tawanda Mupariwa
Ryan Burl
Tafadzwa Kamungozi

Coaches:
Head: Waller
Batting: Houghton
Bowling: Brent
Assistant: Hondo

I don't think Utseya will be cleared for his stock off spin bowling, so sadly we will have to plan without him. I've not lost faith in Nyumbu, he can be a very good attacking option - and if that does not come off, Kamungozi is there to play the container role. Williams and Raza to cover up the spin department too.

Mupariwa deserves to be there. The guy can do nothing more. and the NZ pitches will suit him very well. I've made my plans about Vitori, the pinch hitting all rounder very clear in previous posts. So, no place for Chinouya, who appears to be out of touch anyway. Also, Tiripano is out with back injury, so he won't be back soon. We have three decent bowling options in the batting line up too, with golden arm Hammy, Chigs and Mire.

I'll include Chakabva ahead of Richie solely due to NZ and Aus experience, although I still firmly believe he has a lot to learn in limited overs format. And Burl gets in, has definitely looked more prolific than the all-or-nothing Moor. Don't be surprised if Stuey Matsikenyeri sneaks in instead of him though, best thing about his latest local comeback has been his consistency.

This

Posted: **Sat Dec 27, 2014 12:05 pm**

grant wrote: I would have selected Chinouya too, but he's injured...

Along with Tiripano, Chinouya is injured too ! Any idea will he be deemed fit before WC ?

I was thinking taking into account the selection trends of Zim for all these years, there's a massive chance of the following squad or a squad very similar to the following being selected for the WC. That will be the worst possible outcome for me & a complete horror. I'll be so much frustrated, disappointed & gutted.

Possible Squad Selected by Zim (My Guess):

1. Sikander Raza
2. Hamilton Masakadza
3. Sean Williams
4. Brendan Taylor
5. Solomon Mire
6. Elton Chigumbura (C)
7. Regis Chakabva (WK)
8. Prosper Utseya
9. Tinashe Panyangara
10. Tendai Chatara
11. Nevile Madziva

Reserves:
12. Tafadzwa Kamungozi
13. Vusimuzi Sibanda
14. Stuart Matsikenyeri
15. Timycen Maruma/Brian Vitori

Is there anyone who wants to place a bet that it will be exactly the same squad that will finally get selected ? It must be a nightmare I had !

Posted: **Sat Dec 27, 2014 1:14 pm**

Detective RDS wrote:
grant wrote: I would have selected Chinouya too, but he's injured...
Along with Tiripano, Chinouya is injured too ! Any idea will he be deemed fit before WC ?

I'm not sure what kind of injury it is or if he has already recovered.

He's still posting his pics on his FB profile and it looks like he's in pretty good shape. So I guess he may be deemed fit.
It may not have been a serious injury...
But then again, I could be wrong too.

P.S. - I'm talking about Chinouya.

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