Test XI - Windies series

[Googly]

It's a conundrum picking a side let alone a line-up.
Can't help feeling they'll bat Ballance at 4 not 3. Ervine at 3.
I don't think you can leave Burl out.
I have no idea about the openers- Kaia and who?
Have no idea about the keeper.
I just don't see Masakadza making the side. We need a wrist spinner. We have decent part time offies. Surely Mavuta has to be in the mix, as does Burl?
Kaia
?
Ervine
Ballance
Williams
Raza
Burl
Madande/Chakabva
Mavuta
Evans
Ngarava
Muzarabani

One of Ervine, Burl or Ballance has to open.
Or you swap Mavuta for Madhevere and he opens?
Someone who is not used to opening is going to have to give it a go.
Eeish I dunno, am confused.

[secretzimbo]

1. Chakabva wk
2. Burl
3. Shumba/Chibhabha ( Welch if available )

You'd struggle to pick a worse top three than that. Considering that Regis has opened in red ball cricket rarely (and is unavailable), and Burl potentially never in first class cricket? As for Shumba or Chamu at three when we have Ballance, Ervine and Williams all in the team? that is madenning.

[secretzimbo]

It's a conundrum picking a side let alone a line-up.
Can't help feeling they'll bat Ballance at 4 not 3. Ervine at 3.
I don't think you can leave Burl out.
I have no idea about the openers- Kaia and who?
Have no idea about the keeper.
I just don't see Masakadza making the side. We need a wrist spinner. We have decent part time offies. Mavuta has to be in the mix, as does Burl.
Kaia
?
Ervine
Ballance
Williams
Raza
Burl
Madande/Chakabva
Mavuta
Evans
Ngarava
Muzarabani

One of Ervine, Madhevere, Burl or Ballance has to open.

Ervine to open for my money.

Keeper is realistically Madande or Mutumbami, so I'd rather just give the younger a chance.

[Donald]

Why is nobody talking about nkosana Mpofu century today. 122 runs.
A left hander too woudnt be dissapointed if he partnered with innocent Kaia for opening position against windies

[secretzimbo]

Why is nobody talking about nkosana Mpofu century today. 122 runs.
A left hander too woudnt be dissapointed if he partnered with innocent Kaia for opening position against windies

Probably because it's only his second century in eight years and he averages 24.

A good innings though, well done to him.

[jaybro]

Interesting that a section of the forum here have assumed Regis' career is over.

He said he was still available for selection, considering his standing in the game in ZC I would have assumed he had spoken to them about his move.

Unless I have missed something else?

[jaybro]

Why is nobody talking about nkosana Mpofu century today. 122 runs.
A left hander too woudnt be dissapointed if he partnered with innocent Kaia for opening position against windies

Probably because it's only his second century in eight years and he averages 24.

A good innings though, well done to him.

There has definitely been an up-turn in his output this season, his Pro50 season was pretty good and he also did well in the regional games. From what I saw he plays straight which is always a good sign.

As we have seen in recent years, it doesn't take much to get a start opening the batting for Zimbabwe, so a string of good scores by Mpofu will certainly have him in the conversation to open.

[slcricfan1]

It's a conundrum picking a side let alone a line-up.
Can't help feeling they'll bat Ballance at 4 not 3. Ervine at 3.
I don't think you can leave Burl out.
I have no idea about the openers- Kaia and who?
Have no idea about the keeper.
I just don't see Masakadza making the side. We need a wrist spinner. We have decent part time offies. Surely Mavuta has to be in the mix, as does Burl?
Kaia
?
Ervine
Ballance
Williams
Raza
Burl
Madande/Chakabva
Mavuta
Evans
Ngarava
Muzarabani

One of Ervine, Burl or Ballance has to open.
Or you swap Mavuta for Madhevere and he opens?
Someone who is not used to opening is going to have to give it a go.
Eeish I dunno, am confused.

Leggies are too much of a gamble in test I feel. Skull also pointed out in the recent series that Windies batters have a weakness towards off spin. So, i reckon just bring in another quick

[TapsC2]

Yes the Regis situation we might be a bit too skeptical. He was an important figure domestically and he definitely did speak to them. I guess we will get our answers in January when Ireland come. Maybe he is going the Mire route until the WCQ. If he is around then we will have a decent lineup.

[ZIMDOGGY]

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.