zimcricketforums.com

Finally a much-awaited Test match for Zimbabwe - almost 18 months since we lost by an innings to the West Indies in Bulawayo. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/wes ... -scorecard

First ever Test in Belfast. Weather is looking iffy with rain round on all five days.

On the few occasions when it does stop raining in this blasted corner of the world, you can watch on:

Zim & SA: SuperSport OTT (DStv Stream)
India/Bangladesh/Sri Lanka: Fancode
Pakistan: Tapmad
Everywhere else: Cricket Ireland YouTube.


Will be very seam-friendly conditions and I would be tempted to pick 4 seamers, but all of them in the squad are genuine number 11's so we probably can't. We might have to go back to the old 8-3. Either way I don't see the need for Wellington in these condition - will have to rely on Bennett and Williams to hold an end with some spin at times.

Would be amazed if Welly doesn't play which means we are going in with three pacers. Nyauchi but have the edge over Chatara, five wickets in his last test must give him the third pacer slot.

I reckon Campbell and Kaia will miss out in the batting.

zimfan1 wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 24, 2024 1:49 pm

Would be amazed if Welly doesn't play which means we are going in with three pacers. Nyauchi but have the edge over Chatara, five wickets in his last test must give him the third pacer slot.

I reckon Campbell and Kaia will miss out in the batting.

Yeah I agree they will never drop Welly. Nyauchi is probably our best red ball new ball bowler so I think he should be in. Chivanga and Larry will sit out.

It’s between Campbell and Madande for that final batsmen slot, I hope they go for Madande.

Got a feeling it will be

Prince
Gumbie
Ervine
Williams
Myers
Bennett
Madande(wk)
Wellington
Ngarava
Blessing
Nyauchi

ZC always throws in weird selection so expect Kaia in for Bennet or something weird like that from the chief selector. I’m glad there is a bit more scrutiny on his job.

If only 1 of the pacers could bat a bit but they will probably get Myers to bowl a bit and pick Wellington. An 8-3 is unlikely after Campbell’s performance against India. His fielding was concerning too. It might not be the best game for him to play actually because if he drops Tector or something like that, it could be the end for him. People need to forget a bit

Hell yah. This is real cricket...forget that T20 stuff.

Looking forward to this match. Hopefully will be enough clear weather to get a complete match!!!

Best of luck to both sides. Hope Zimbabwe bloods the new guys.

CalZim wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 24, 2024 2:13 pm

It’s between Campbell and Madande for that final batsmen slot, I hope they go for Madande.

I think opening the batting and keeping wicket in Tests is quite a big ask for Gumbie, so I’m happy for Madande to play as the keeper. He has a good red ball batting record too.

TapsC2 wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 24, 2024 2:16 pm

Got a feeling it will be

Prince
Gumbie
Ervine
Williams
Myers
Bennett
Madande(wk)
Wellington
Ngarava
Blessing
Nyauchi

That's pretty much exactly what I would go for, although I doubt the purpose of Welly in Irish conditions especially with the sort of weather we've been having over here lately.

We really should have picked a fourth seamer who is capable of batting at 8, like Jongwe or even bloody Faraz. Selectors haven't made this easy!

If Roy plays I might spontaneously combust.

Is there seriously no one else to open other than Prince and Joylord? Joylord will probably keep which might give Campbell preference over Madande.

I feel like Chatara has to play. Has the experience with good recent red ball form and playing in ideal conditions.

Masvaure
Gumbie
Ervine
Bennett
Williams
Myers
Campbell
Masakadza
Nyauchi
Muzarabani
Chatara

A very very weak side indeed.