Williams article on the BBC

[Pat_Bee]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/africa/66148152

Really hope he gets to 2027 somehow.

Some of these boys have been through the wringer but we seem to be in the best place for years now.

[secretzimbo]

Great stuff. None of the big three retiring anytime soon then.

It’s all very different from 2018 isn’t it? Basically no fall-out whatsoever from the qualifiers. Super positive stuff and everyone carrying on working together to build things.

It’s all very un-Zimbabwean

It’s really quite remarkable the complete 360 the board have done and how suddenly decent and fairly competent they are. Did anybody at all predict any of this?

[secretzimbo]

18 year career and only 14 Test caps. That line stood out to me. That’s a joke

[Pat_Bee]

It’s like the board learnt very late in the day that corruption and yes men don’t necessarily make for results and results are where the real money is.

Ya his tests played in his long career is a shocker, multiple reasons for this as we know. Averages 41 though, very respectable. I’ve seen it on here before said that BT would be averaging 5 more than he is if he was playing in a decent team and the same can be said about Williams. Class batter.

I’d like all 3 of the big 3 to get to the next World Cup, would be a great way for them to bow out. That’s probably unrealistic, I hope at least one of them gets there though.

[Googly]

Great stuff. None of the big three retiring anytime soon then.

It’s all very different from 2018 isn’t it? Basically no fall-out whatsoever from the qualifiers. Super positive stuff and everyone carrying on working together to build things.

It’s all very un-Zimbabwean

It’s really quite remarkable the complete 360 the board have done and how suddenly decent and fairly competent they are. Did anybody at all predict any of this?

I did hold my breath for a brief second when we lost that it would go tits up and we'd see tantrums and rash decisions. It seems that DH is hugely respected by all and sundry and has played a big part in keeping most people pulling in the same direction. Results are key though and if we start failing that's when the cracks will appear.
I think it's also clear to everyone that we just can't afford any more administrative or coaching crises. Even though we have some ICC goodwill we can't afford to test that boundary again.

Having said that, I'm curious what the ICC think of this T10 tournament? They have to be a bit skeptical, it's a non sanctioned event, is it not? Are these guys not somehow directly competing with ICC? Whilst we get to see some really good players and ex-internationals a fair number of them are past their prime and not front and centre and are clearly delighted to be making some decent money. But there are a few very current internationals in the mix.
This T10 format will definitely gain some traction. I think their next stop is The States. I think there it could become more popular than the T20.

At some point you'd think they will clash with ICC.

[sam_ahm]

It's great if they all stick around, a lot depends on their fitness levels. Remember Sachin played until 40, Misbah played until 41, Imran Khan lead Pakistan to a WC win at 40, So there is a lot of inspiration to take.

But I'm not looking that far as of now, before the WC 2027, we've got two T20 WCs in between 2024 and 2026. As of now the main focus of the Big 3 should be on 2024 T20 WC in the West Indies. If we can make a big statement there, like last time, then nothing like it.

In any case I'm keen on young talent coming through and more fixtures lined up. I cannot stress enough on the need to have more fixtures , that is very important in present day scenario. ZC should work out ways to play more games.

[tgk]

"Maybe there's a fairytale ending" :"") maybe there is

[Pat_Bee]

He won’t be seeing any World Cup throwing himself around like that, he’s an old man now never mind then

[eugene]

I guess it is possible he can stick around until 41. We don't exactly have lots of guys knocking down the doors scoring runs.

[TapsC2]

I guess maybe they all feel like they owe Houghton. He has done an incredible job and everybody can see it. Maybe this sober version of BT will come back after his ban too don't think he has ever been this fit if he is walking 50km