The John Ward column

[eugene]

Apparently the funding has been lined up. ZC are just waiting for the money to come through.

[eugene]

John Ward has this to say about the domestic season so far, interesting stuff.

The match this week in Bulawayo was one of the best cricket matches I have ever watched – close and well-fought all the way, even though not all the players were that talented, and a really great finish, though I would have liked Southern Rocks to gain a rare victory. Nkosana Mpofu played an outstanding innings, especially for one so inexperienced, staying to the end to ensure victory. His concentration and determination were amazing, as was his composure under pressure. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go on and play for Zimbabwe.


Overall, according to Dan Housego, English professional for Mountaineers, the standard was about equal to an English second-eleven match, which is about what I expected, with the national players away and 10 or more other quality players having retired or defected. Neville Madziva has shown excellent all-round form and great determination to go with it. Luke Jongwe looks a really promising all-rounder, while Tawanda Mupariwa certainly looks to be challenging to regain his international place, and John Nyumbu might be a good choice to replace Prosper Utseya in the Test team, being a more attacking off-spinner. Steve Chimhamhiwa also looks a good prospect, and he can bat as well, as he showed in the match just mentioned. I saw Tafadzwa Muzarawetu turn in a superb bowling performance, but he needs more consistency. Donald Tiripano and Trevor Garwe likewise. Wellington Masakadza looks a very useful all-round prospect.


Richard Muzhange continues to disappoint, and Tino Mawoyo hasn’t done much. Tino Mutombodzi has come on well with the bat but seems to have lost it with the ball (just like Timmy Maruma). Chris Mpofu is not fit, and has lost pace when he is – he may well not play any more international cricket, unless he can regain form and fitness.



John

[eugene]

He said the following regarding national team selection of PJ Moor and Mark Vermeulen

PJ Moor, yes, quite possibly. He has matured a lot as a player and with the national players away holds the Mid-West Rhinos batting together, though without any outstanding performances yet.


Vermeulen is doing well generally, but I would be amazed if the selectors picked him again, due to his personal reputation and his great age (for Zimbabwe cricket) of 34, the oldest first-class player in the country.

[Jemisi]

Great to have John's views, ta

[jaybro]

Great to have John's views, ta

Yes i really enjoy hearing what John has to say, are we still able to relay questions through you Eugene for John ???

[eugene]

You certainly can relay questions through me.

[sloandog]

How do you know him

[eugene]

Just through email, never met in-person.

[jaybro]

I could ask a million questions but I'll just go with his opinion of any guys who he thinks could break into the national team ??

His thoughts on Regis Chakabva is he good enough to bat top 3 in the test side ???

His thoughts on Neville Madziva is he ready for international cricket and maybe even a description of his playing style as I have never actually seen him play only followed his stats ( e.g. good batting technique or big hitter ?? quick bowler or line and length ?? )

[CrimsonAvenger]

Can he let us know about Ed Rainsford? Is he injured? Or left cricket altogether, frustrated by non-selection? In absence of the likes of Meth and Querl, I thought this was his season to stake claim again for that swing bowler role. Reflecting Train Driver's thoughts too.