Ireland Tour - Discussion

[CalZim]

Lol where on Earth have the Kamunhukamwe calls pcome from?!

He hits 99 wearing his floppy hat and everyone thinks he is Viv Richards

[CalZim]

Here are my squad thoughts, considering that Chakabva might not be returning:

T20s

Madhevere
Marumani
Ervine (c)
Shumba
Williams
Raza
Burl
Madande (wk)
Jongwe
Ngarava
Muzarabani

Jongwe over Evans because of fielding and variation, the rest are pretty standard. Shumba under pressure though.

ODi

Kaia
Marumani
Ervine (c)
Madhevere
Williams
Raza
Burl
Madande (wk)
Evans
Chatara
Muzarabani

Gone for Chatara for ODIs as I think he is a better suit than Ngarava. Kaia in to open for the Odis.

K long can carry the drinks wearing his floppy hat

[secretzimbo]

The situation in the country is dire at the moment btw, no water and no power pretty much anywhere in all the main cities, and most people seem resigned to it being a really quite dreadful summer. I hope the cricket season isn’t affected.

I’m glad I’m going abroad for the next month or two

[Googly]

Evans is improving bit by bit with bat and ball. Jongwe's days are numbered unless he pulls his finger out. Evans will get the nod ahead of him in all formats soon enuf- if the choice is between the two of them.

I like Kamunhukamwe as well. I'd take a punt on him.
I'm not convinced about Mashinge nor Curran.
Mashinge just doesn't look like an international.
Curran's head must be blown. Most players at some point have a shit run like him, it's how you climb out of that hole.
He's come here assuming it would be easier than it is and with some expectation from most of us and it just hasn't happened. Not sure what the next couple of months holds for him. He will be close to jacking it in, I reckon.

Evans is actually a great fielder, struggling with nerves, he'll get it right.

[Googly]

This electricity shortage is cataclysmic. We're down to free electricity from SA and Moz between 10pm and 4am and therefore no water pumping ability, plus dams are low and we need it to rain for 40 days and 40 nights. Its looking like it will be months of this unless our Chinese Masters get Hwange up and running in return for the ither half of the country.
And the Ministers have been paid half a million usd and the MP's 40k to call an early election. I think there's 130 MP's and about 20 Ministers.
Zanu will have to pull yet another Biden on the crowd to remain in situ, not that there's any doubt. Does an honest politician exist anywhere on the planet?

[Kriterion_BD]

This should be a really good series. I'd have rather seen the T20s get converted to a one off Test, and or made the ODI series 5 matches.

I think the Irish will be coming into the series with one of their stronger teams in recent times. ZIM will need their strongest available lineup because Ireland are at least as good as ZIM, and possibly just a touch better, but also because you want your main squad getting as many games ahead of the WC Qualifier. If you need to test the bench, that should be done against teams like Namibia or USA or Nepal. Got to play your top side against IRE/AFG/WI/SL.

[jaybro]

Lol where on Earth have the Kamunhukamwe calls pcome from?!

Yes I did say it was a left field choice, but ultimately it’s based on player type rather than numbers.

I think it was pretty clear during the WC that Zimbabwe need to find some openers who can get things moving up top. I think Wes is perfect for No.3 in t20s but at this stage opening isn’t the best spot for him imo.

Although Kamunhukamwe hasn’t set the world alight, he does fit the mould of a hard hitting opener and at his age of 27 or 28 he’s still got enough ‘tomorrows’ to be worth a shot.

Cephas Zhuwao is too old really, at 37 I just don’t think he’s worth bringing back again. I can’t really think of anyone else on the scene who would suit that role.

Interested to hear other options

[Kriterion_BD]

I don't think 37 is too old for a role-specific ad hoc player like you're looking for. You could get the guy and bring him in for just one tournament and if he fires, then thats all that counts. You win a world cup (or perform very well), and it doesn't matter much beyond that.

Even top tier teams like India, England, Australia will be singularly focused on the 23 WC. They aren't even thinking about the series immediately after that. They win the WC, they are good. Thats their goal.

[sam_ahm]

Is there any chance Nick Welch can be persuaded to play in the world Cup qualifiers? This is such an important event and ZC have to go out of the way to play the best team possible. I'm very worried about the batting, and these is some serious competition.

[slcricfan1]

I don't think 37 is too old for a role-specific ad hoc player like you're looking for. You could get the guy and bring him in for just one tournament and if he fires, then thats all that counts. You win a world cup (or perform very well), and it doesn't matter much beyond that.

Even top tier teams like India, England, Australia will be singularly focused on the 23 WC. They aren't even thinking about the series immediately after that. They win the WC, they are good. Thats their goal.

India, Eng and aus are different in that they have huge depth and dont have to worry much about investing long-term.