[Match Thread] Zimbabwe Pakistan 2nd test

[brmtaylor.com admin]

Chigumbura gone. Can we make it to stumps? Maybe a blessing in disguise if we don't. Gives us a chance to have a few overs tonight plus use the new ball for the first hour tomorrow.

Sad batting display. No resistance at all besides Masakadza and Taylor.

I guess if the tail could somehow scrape their way to 240 or 250 that would be something, but I can't see it happening short of a spectacular Vitori cameo.

[Dr_Situ(ZimFanatic)]

No denying though, Sibanda needs runs. He's probably another couple of Test matches away from coming under the spotlight though, which could be up to 12 months or so.

Couple of tests??? When Zim is only allowed few tests in 1 or 2 years, why mess the opportunity by playing suspect openers? This is not a trial field to groom somebody into opener. What if, the test is outside Zim say subcontinent? With Zim back in reckoning at the test ratings such persistence with non-performing players at the expense of available talent is disheartening.

The reason i am furious is the lack of fight here which could have been averted. The top 3 in previous test lead to our lowest ever total against Pak-a record. Still, what was memorable was the fight by Raza-Waller, Waller-Chiggs partnership which took the game to 5th day. Here, Taylor will not be worried by keeping issues but the test might get over in 3 days

[CrimsonAvenger]

Goodness that was a horrible hit. Hope Utseya is ok.

[brmtaylor.com admin]

Couple of tests??? When Zim is only allowed few tests in 1 or 2 years, why mess the opportunity by playing suspect openers? This is not a trial field to groom somebody into opener. What if, the test is outside Zim say subcontinent? With Zim back in reckoning at the test ratings such persistence with non-performing players at the expense of available talent is disheartening.

Well in that case I'd definitely stick with Sibanda. No way do I want a Kasuza or Moor or whoever the flavour of the month is opening in a Test match in Bangladesh. At least Sibanda has played there before.

[CrimsonAvenger]

A Zimbabwean with a 30+ Test Batting average! Go Tinashe

[foreignfield]

A Zimbabwean with a 30+ Test Batting average! Go Tinashe

[Dr_Situ(ZimFanatic)]

A Zimbabwean with a 30+ Test Batting average! Go Tinashe

and more experienced (5 tests ) than Dots (4 tests). He is looking forward to compete with batsman Ajmal

[brmtaylor.com admin]

Chatara sent in as a nightwatchman for Vitori

[CrimsonAvenger]

Chatara sent in as a nightwatchman for Vitori

I was about to say Vitori is no #11, but this explains it...

[sloandog]

For what it's worth, the best batter on display today was Malcolm Waller. I mean Hamilton did great and he scored a half century, as did BRM, but both were let off the hook and looked scratchy at times. Literally from ball one Waller looked brilliant, especially those drives off Ajmal and Rehman; a much different player compared to the Waller in the West Indies who had no idea/clue how to face Shillingford.

But yea, overall, a very very poor day for us. Taylor looked scratchy, but still showed that even when out of form has the mental toughness to grind out a score, hence why he's our best batter. Just weak shots though, jesus christ man! What was Waller and Taylor doing ?

I'm getting in a bit of a Tiz here because of the selection. Utsea should not have been picked, Mushangwe should have been in.
Shingrai Mazakadza should have been selected again as he showed his class as a 5 day bowler.
Raza should have been in and Taylor should have taken the gloves.

Would have loved to have seen Sean Williams in the mix but it was never going to happen with the middle order looking so strong and Taylor coming back in.