Test XI - Windies series

[Googly]

With a bunch of batters that are currently average by international standards and then you have a guy that is potentially a cut above you surely have to protect the guy from the new ball.
That new red cherry is different gravy.

[Kriterion_BD]

Part of me thinks someone is going to have to take one for the team and be a makeshift opener. Possibly Ervine?

Ervine
Kaia
Ballance
Williams
Raza
Madhevere
Madande
Evans
Masakadza
Ngarava
Muzarabani

But hang on, wasn’t all the talk early on about wanting to get Ballance because we wanted to solve our opener problems?

Now he’s coming in at 3/4?
We have an established and settled middle order. Shouting waltz in and upset that.
Zimbabwe players need to stop avoiding opening.

If he’s the best batter in the side (and I’m not sure he is), he bats at 3/4. That’s the template.

Personally, Williams is the best batter in the side with Raza (on current form) and Ervine (past record) next. The thing is Raza is probably suited to being a 5/6 batter more than a dependable 3/4. Ervine’s edges to slip preclude him from being a safe #3/4.

[secretzimbo]

For me the reason is that we absolutely have to get Madhevere into the side, probably at number 6. Which means one of the big four (now Ervine, Ballance, Williams, Raza) has to man up and open. Out of the four I'd go with Ervine. It's not ideal but he'd still do a better job than probably any of the left-field alternatives from the domestic setup. Kaia and Ervine to open, followed by Ballance, Williams, Raza, Madhevere and then a Wk. That's a very competitive batting lineup imo.

[Kriterion_BD]

For me the reason is that we absolutely have to get Madhevere into the side, probably at number 6. Which means one of the big four (now Ervine, Ballance, Williams, Raza) has to man up and open. Out of the four I'd go with Ervine. It's not ideal but he'd still do a better job than probably any of the left-field alternatives from the domestic setup. Kaia and Ervine to open, followed by Ballance, Williams, Raza, Madhevere and then a Wk. That's a very competitive batting lineup imo.

I agree that Madhevere has to at least be given a long run and the best spot for him is at 6. His batting style is similar to Raza: keeps the scoreboard ticking, doesn’t get bogged down, but at the cost of playing risky strokes.

But I would rather have Kaitano, Kasuza, or Kaia open.

[TapsC2]

Raza might be the guy to open actually if you have to risk somebody. He has done it before in tests and very successfully too. He has 3 half centuries in 5 innings opening. Then Wes can learn batting at 6.

Speaking of Raza, he has just hit his worst run of form in a long time. Hasn't scored more than 11 in his last 10. Maybe he needs some rest

[TapsC2]

Ervine's weakness of getting caught at slip will be targeted if he opens. I actually feel he should come in at 5 after Williams if Ballance is at 3

[Jemisi]

I think get our best batsmen in. If Regis is not available then put Burl at 7 and Madande at 8.

Marumani
Ervine
Ballance
Williams
Raza
Wes
Regis
Burl
Evans
Ngarava
Blessing

[ZIMDOGGY]

Ballance has to open.
It’s the respectful thing to do with a long set middle order.
He’s opened many times.
He is also probably our best bat so logic dictates he needs to have every opportunity to bat longer at in the middle. Especially the short formats where he could theoretically bat 50 overs instead of a capped 30 overs etc

[Kriterion_BD]

Balance could bat at 6 and still bat 45 overs man.

[secretzimbo]

Ballance has to open.
It’s the respectful thing to do with a long set middle order.
He’s opened many times.
He is also probably our best bat so logic dictates he needs to have every opportunity to bat longer at in the middle. Especially the short formats where he could theoretically bat 50 overs instead of a capped 30 overs etc

You have a point for limited overs but not Tests. The best bats generally don’t open in Tests, especially in the current era. It’s exceptionally tough. Your best guy comes in at 4 ideally - see Root, Kohli, Smith, Williamson, Babar etc