Zimbabwe Vs West Indies | 1st Test | 4-8 Feb 2023 | Bulawayo

[mnelson68]

We would have been walloped if we'd had 5 full days of cricket. We have to find a way of getting through their openers early because they don't look too sharp after.
Our seamers don't look threatening, not assisted by a very flat deck. They've got a lethal opening combo with Joseph and Roach and our openers also navigated them well so we can't be too harsh on our seamers.

I wonder if Ballance will stay at 5 or drop to 4?
Chamu's woes against spin will surely mean they will bring on a spinner as soon as he gets to the crease, even if the ball is only a few overs old?

Ngarava isn't fit enough to play test cricket and Nyauchi whilst economical isn't threatening enough. Evans showed a bit though. The seamers are the biggest issue for mine.

[brmtaylor.com admin]

That was an exciting declaration on day four, it must have confused the WI braintrust a bit. I know it seems strange to declare from behind, but the way Ngarava was batting he was going to hole out sooner or later so we may as well use the opportunity to dictate terms and have a crack at the WI openers while we have the ascendency. Every little psychological edge helps, although sadly it didn't translate to wickets.

The WI declaration... eh, less exciting. They could have batted far more positively. I don't think 280 in 50 odd overs was ever going to be a realistic carrot to dangle. Credit to Tsiga for showing a level head though. While there were no demons in the pitch and the WI quicks were bowling spin, making it all a bit weird, there was still pressure in the situation - one more wicket falls and there's every chance the tail get rolled.

280 in 65-70 overs would have been fascinating. We'd have either got the runs or been bowled out, there's no way Tsiga and the tail stonewall for an extra 20 overs.

In the post match, Ervine indicated Williams wouldn't be ready for the 2nd Test and we'd go with the same team (or did he say the same squad?). I'd be okay with playing the same XI, but I think the order definitely needs to change:

1. Kaia
2. Chibhabha
3. Ervine
4. Ballance
5. Makoni
6. Tsiga
7. Mavuta
8. W Masakadza
9. Evans
10. Ngarava
11. Nyauchi

Ballance was a class above, how good was that to watch. He's wasted at 5. I reckon there's a case for him opening - we need him to face as many balls as possible, it's no good to us if he runs out of partners. I doubt we'll see anything that drastic though, so at least move him up a spot.

Chibhabha is more comfortable against pace, so maybe he should open. I think Evans has potential as a batsman, but clearly Mavuta and Masakadza are superior at the moment.

Overall, it was a fun game. It's so good to see Zimbabwe playing Tests again! Reiffel did us no favours with some of his decisions, but I kind of like traditional cricket without DRS and WTC points.

[secretzimbo]

^ why do you want Makoni at 5? I doubt he’s ever batted there in his life. He’s only in the team because he’s an opener and we have few options. If we are looking for someone to fill a hole at 5 then Makoni wouldn’t even be in the conversation. We’ve got loads of middle order guys

[brmtaylor.com admin]

Unless Williams is available we kind of need to keep Chibhabha so there's some experience, but I don't think Makoni deserves to be dropped after being thrown in the deep end. That's how to accomodate them both.

[Googly]

Ya the batting order can't change up to 5 if they play the same team. Makoni is picked as an opener only and he looks fairly organised.
Chibhabha at 3 to limit his exposure against spin, but if the openers get a decent start they'll put a spinner on within a couple of overs of Chamu getting to the crease.
Ervine at 4 and GB at 5. You could potentially swap these two around, but why? Back Ervine to make runs, he's good enough.
Thereafter its iffy. We don't have a genuine 6 in this line-up.
Tsiga, Mavuta and Masakadza have all looked more solid than Evans. I've got no idea the order amongst these 4.

When Blessing, Williams, Raza and Burl are available it becomes a selectors' dilemma.

[secretzimbo]

Is no one thinking we should bring Shumba in for Chamu? (And bat him at 5)?

I really don’t see what Chibhabha offers. We talk about ‘experience’ but what we need is runs. Also he’s not exactly known to be a team player or good influence on people either so it’s not like he’s bringing lots of wisdom and leadership

[Googly]

Did Ervine not say they were going with an unchanged team?
Ya that change would work.

[secretzimbo]

Did Ervine not say they were going with an unchanged team?
Ya that change would work.

I think he was talking about the squad? The question was referring to players being back E.g. Williams. No reasons they can’t change the XI from the squad. I suspect we will see Chivanga for sure

[Googly]

Ya and I see Evans sitting out.

[Xlife]

Also he’s not exactly known to be a team player or good influence on people either so it’s not like he’s bringing lots of wisdom and leadership

What's that supposed to mean? Has he done anything in the past to rub people the wrong way?