[Match Thread] OnIy Test: SL vs ZIM

[eugene]

I fear this mornings effort may cost us big time. Only batting a day and a few overs on a road-like pitch is not a good effort.

[Jemisi]

limp end to a fine knock. Time for the bowlers to inspire. At least we have made them make 500.

[Jemisi]

60 ahead of what I thought when Cremer went

[jaybro]

All over this morning only 12 added, we're definitely behind in this match really going to be tough today whilst the pitch is still flat. Really disappointing none of the other batsman could have at least made a 50 to go with Ervine .....

[jaybro]

I honestly don't know where the wickets will come from, I can't see Tiripano or Mpofu taking a wicket on this flat track. I have a feeling Waller will be the key man with all in hand ......

[Jemisi]

How are the SL's in the head? We are backing them to walk in the runs, but they have just come off a bad series loss and only Herath has rescued them from another enormous embarrassment. The Zimbabweans have shown a willingness to attack even at the cost of losing wickets to risk. If the seamers can sneak one or two and Cremer lands it early on we have a chance to put them under pressure.

[Kriterion_BD]

All over this morning only 12 added, we're definitely behind in this match really going to be tough today whilst the pitch is still flat. Really disappointing none of the other batsman could have at least made a 50 to go with Ervine .....

I'm not sure what the management was thinking opening with both Chakabva and Hami. I guess the middle order is crowded, so its understandable in that light. But opening in Tests is different from LOIs. Chakabva is definitely a middle order guy. Raza is the one guy who has opened in Tests before. I would have had Raza open with Masakadza. And ideally it would be Raza and Mawoyo.

My main criticism would be the over-use of the reverse sweep, especially by Ervine against the turn vs Herath. Should have empoyed the orthodox sweep more.

Zimbabwe are in a similar position as Bangladesh in the 1st Test. We were shot out for 312 on a flat Galle wicket and ended up losing by 250+ runs.

This pitch does have some turn, however. Cremer, Williams, and Raza might really get some purchase.

[PJMoor]

Yo dawg, Kriterion, whats your User in BC

[Kriterion_BD]

How are the SL's in the head? We are backing them to walk in the runs, but they have just come off a bad series loss and only Herath has rescued them from another enormous embarrassment. The Zimbabweans have shown a willingness to attack even at the cost of losing wickets to risk. If the seamers can sneak one or two and Cremer lands it early on we have a chance to put them under pressure.

This SL team is weak, both in skill and in the mental game. Its the weakest SL side in probably 20 years.

That being said, I do think Mendis is a phenomenal talent. Chandimal too can take the game away, but he can also be a no-show. Gunaratne is a handy player even though he looks like a total scrub.

Sandakan is another guy I rate highly. He's inconsistent, but has game-breaking potential as a wrist spinner. Gunathilika, I haven't seen much of but he may also be a serious talent. Fortunately for ZIM, neither are playing. Dickwella can be a hard hitter down the order.

Beyond that there isn't much. Kumara and Chameera offer pace and have potential as well.

[Kriterion_BD]

Yo dawg, Kriterion, whats your User in BC

I'm al Furqaan, but currently serving my 10th suspension, lol.