[MATCH THREAD] 2nd Test Afghanistan v Zimbabwe @Abu Dhabi

[zimfan1]

I do think we need to make our domestic pitches better for batting. Give the batsman a chance to bat for extended periods.

[lobsang]

My squad for the test series against Pakistan

1) Kasuza
2) Masvaure
3) Ervine
4) BT
5) Williams
6) Raza
7) Musakanda
8) PJ Moor ( if fit )
9) Don Tiripano ( Mavuta if the pitch assists the spinners )
10) Muzarabani
11) Nyauchi

[sloandog]

Sean Williams has shown this series why he is now our number 1. He's made that 'leap' from good international batter to excellent international batter. To score 2 hundreds in Dubai against a decent spin attack says a lot and he's shown his mental toughness here too. What a player. Burl, Tari, Wez and Kasuza take stock

[tej_27]

A lot could have been better if we had ervine and Taylor ..not playing with two of our best batters is not easy

[eugene]

Can Donald Tiripano make the team as a middle order batsman? He is yet again showing the determination and grit that makes him a forum favourite. And remember Tiripano has scored more Logan Cup runs than the supposed real "The Don" Donald Bradman ever did.

[brmtaylor.com admin]

A lot could have been better if we had ervine and Taylor ..not playing with two of our best batters is not easy

Totally agreed. Taylor and Ervine clearly the difference between drawing and losing this match as well. Take out the pairs that Madhevere and Burl scored, and let's say conservatively BT and CE get 25 each. We would be leading by 100 and probably a session closer to a draw. The really sad thing is, a series against Afghanistan was the perfect opportunity for the new guys to show they are ready and they didn't.

I very much hope that Williams and Tiripano can hold on a bit longer and keep the draw alive - they each need to double their scores and put on the same sort of partnership that Hashmatullah and Asghar did. If Afghanistan have to chase 160, how long could we hold them off for. 30 overs?

[zimbot]

Sean Williams has shown this series why he is now our number 1. He's made that 'leap' from good international batter to excellent international batter. To score 2 hundreds in Dubai against a decent spin attack says a lot and he's shown his mental toughness here too. What a player.

He has been good hasn't he? He's shown some serious fight and that's what you want from your senior players. Let's hope he carries on like this against better opposition (no disrespect to Afghanistan). When Taylor and Ervine come back, that middle order looks really good.

Prince
Kasuza
Ervine
Taylor
Williams*
Raza
Tari
Chakabva +
Jarvis/Don/Mavuta?
Muzarabani
Nyauchi

I think Regis still has a spot in the team, but I wouldn't complain if PJ Moor was picked ahead of him though.

[zimbot]

Can Donald Tiripano make the team as a middle order batsman?

In tests, yes.

[Marshmallow]

How long is rajputh& co coaching tenure?

[Flurzt]

Is Chatara going to be available or is he still injured? Image Blessing - Chatara - Nyauchi pace attack