Test Opening options

[jaybro]

Finding quality Test Match Openers has always been a struggle for Zimbabwe and they have a history of putting in guys who aren't ready or suited to opening in there to do the job. Since Zimbabwe's return to test cricket they've used 9 different players in the opening position in 19 Tests with barely any success, only Tino Mawoyo has scored a century in this time. Lets look at the options for the next Test against Wet Indies in October -

- Hamilton Masakadza: Opened in the last test match but hasn't really had any success opening in tests, has been most productive batting @3. Hami has the best technique to take on the new ball in all formats IMO and he's had success in the limited overs format batting there so I feel if given time he would also succeed in the longer format. Dis-regarding stats for a moment Hami is the best player of fast bowling we have atm and seems to enjoy the ball coming on to his bat seems to be troubled more so by spin rather than pace. I understand if Hami is moved back to 3 as he's had good success there but with a side stacked with middle order players it may be best for the team for him to open again.

-Tino Mawoyo: The pros & cons for Tino are long and balanced either side, 'To Tino or Not to Tino' is a polarising question amongst Zimbabwe supporters and likely selectors as well. He seems to be selected when you least expect it and dropped when you think he's safe. Every Pro comes with a Con for picking him, such as his success in Test Cricket opening scoring that magnificent 163* v Pakistan ( but that was 6 years ago ), He's also scored 3 fifties and although the last was 4 years ago he has shown as recently as last year he can still 'see off the new ball' with some gritty innings last season ( but in all 6 innings he got a start but couldn't pass 50. Is this good enough or do we need more? ) Tino has shown toughness and determination to get behind the new ball but his fitness is an issue also his domestic form has been average as well. How long can the selectors pick him for past International performances?

- Regis Chakabva: Has opened in 5 innings with not much success but has a great technique and opened in the last Test. All his success has come batting 5 and below and bats there predominately for the Eagles. Also made to keep in the last test surely this was a once off? Although he did say when asked about the dual role that 'it was no big deal' and 'he was fit enough to do it'. Great attitude but I can't see this being a successful long term solution so Streak & Taibu need to decide if Regis is an opener or keeper? His keeping is very hot & cold his missed chances on the final day in Sri Lanka really hurt.

- Brian Chari: Looks like he could be a long term solution at the top of the order although after 5 tests so far he has an average of 14 & passed 50 just the once. His first class average of 22 is also concerning and he had a modest Logan Cup but he has done pretty well when given the chance for Zim A. Seems to struggle with the step up to test cricket but definitely a player of the future, needs to work on leaving the ball early in his innings.

- Chamu Chibhabha: There's 2 Chamu's the one who looks as comfortable and assured as any Zimbabwe player facing pace whilst the other has no idea against spin and seems likely to get out any ball. It's a real shame because the way he plays the new ball combined with the fact he's an outstanding fielder and bowls very useful medium pacers he could be a very valuable player. But his struggles against spin are too great for him to be effective in test cricket and I can't see him being successful unless he can remedy that.

- Ryan Burl: Not a natural opener and is more suited to the middle order but with the Zimbabwe middle order being stacked at the moment and Burl's first class average being 44 opening may be the way to get him into the side. Seems a natural 3 IMO but like many Zimbos before him he may be forced to open to force his way into the side. I feel he could be successful there.

- Solomon Mire: Bit of a smokey but has some merits since he has done so well opening in ODI's for Zimbabwe. Before people dismiss this idea due to his aggressive approach & defence being his afterthought I ask you to remember if you thought David Warner or Dilshan would be successful opening in tests?? I remember with Warner most had tagged him as a limited overs slogger and not fit for tests, but as history has shown his quick starts & positive approach have been a major factor in Australia's recent success. The attacking fields in test cricket would also suit Mire's boundary hitting ability. Worth a shot at some point IMO.

- Vusi Sibanda: Has opened a lot for Zimbabwe with minimal success but his strength of facing fast bowling and experience opening in ODI's has him usually in the conversation. Seems to be out of the picture at the moment and has batted in the middle order for the Goats last season with limited success. Really struggles against spin & with the side having a solid middle order I can't see Vusi returning any time soon unless he has a really good season for the Goats.

- Sikander Raza: Has opened in 3 tests for Zimbabwe and scored 3 fifties, but opening in Bangladesh isn't the same as opening in Harare against Gabriel, Joseph & Holder. Also Raza has had recent success playing in the middle and is our best player of spin and is a good worker of the ball so he's more suited to the middle order. If we needed to move a middle order player up he'd be the guy before Williams or Ervine.

- Kevin Kasuza: Hit the domestic scene running and looked a bright prospect but then went 5 or so years without hitting a 100. Now after topping the Logan Cup run scoring charts with 446 runs @ 44 maybe he's ready for a test call up? First Class average of 30 is ok but concerning he's only scored 2 centuries. Can't say I've seen him play at all since the Under 19's WC a while back.

They're the serious contenders IMO and as we can see no real standout contender. For what it's worth I'd have Hami & Tino opening because I feel they're the best two blokes to see off the new ball we have. If they want to move Hami back to 3 I wouldn't complain as he's done very well there but I just don't know who would be best else to pick. Maybe Burl and Tino with Hami @3?

[Black Mamba]

Finding quality Test Match Openers has always been a struggle for Zimbabwe and they have a history of putting in guys who aren't ready or suited to opening in there to do the job. Since Zimbabwe's return to test cricket they've used 9 different players in the opening position in 19 Tests with barely any success, only Tino Mawoyo has scored a century in this time. Lets look at the options for the next Test against Wet Indies in October -

- Hamilton Masakadza: Opened in the last test match but hasn't really had any success opening in tests, has been most productive batting @3. Hami has the best technique to take on the new ball in all formats IMO and he's had success in the limited overs format batting there so I feel if given time he would also succeed in the longer format. Dis-regarding stats for a moment Hami is the best player of fast bowling we have atm and seems to enjoy the ball coming on to his bat seems to be troubled more so by spin rather than pace. I understand if Hami is moved back to 3 as he's had good success there but with a side stacked with middle order players it may be best for the team for him to open again.

-Tino Mawoyo: The pros & cons for Tino are long and balanced either side, 'To Tino or Not to Tino' is a polarising question amongst Zimbabwe supporters and likely selectors as well. He seems to be selected when you least expect it and dropped when you think he's safe. Every Pro comes with a Con for picking him, such as his success in Test Cricket opening scoring that magnificent 163* v Pakistan ( but that was 6 years ago ), He's also scored 3 fifties and although the last was 4 years ago he has shown as recently as last year he can still 'see off the new ball' with some gritty innings last season ( but in all 6 innings he got a start but couldn't pass 50. Is this good enough or do we need more? ) Tino has shown toughness and determination to get behind the new ball but his fitness is an issue also his domestic form has been average as well. How long can the selectors pick him for past International performances?

- Regis Chakabva: Has opened in 5 innings with not much success but has a great technique and opened in the last Test. All his success has come batting 5 and below and bats there predominately for the Eagles. Also made to keep in the last test surely this was a once off? Although he did say when asked about the dual role that 'it was no big deal' and 'he was fit enough to do it'. Great attitude but I can't see this being a successful long term solution so Streak & Taibu need to decide if Regis is an opener or keeper? His keeping is very hot & cold his missed chances on the final day in Sri Lanka really hurt.

- Brian Chari: Looks like he could be a long term solution at the top of the order although after 5 tests so far he has an average of 14 & passed 50 just the once. His first class average of 22 is also concerning and he had a modest Logan Cup but he has done pretty well when given the chance for Zim A. Seems to struggle with the step up to test cricket but definitely a player of the future, needs to work on leaving the ball early in his innings.

- Chamu Chibhabha: There's 2 Chamu's the one who looks as comfortable and assured as any Zimbabwe player facing pace whilst the other has no idea against spin and seems likely to get out any ball. It's a real shame because the way he plays the new ball combined with the fact he's an outstanding fielder and bowls very useful medium pacers he could be a very valuable player. But his struggles against spin are too great for him to be effective in test cricket and I can't see him being successful unless he can remedy that.

- Ryan Burl: Not a natural opener and is more suited to the middle order but with the Zimbabwe middle order being stacked at the moment and Burl's first class average being 44 opening may be the way to get him into the side. Seems a natural 3 IMO but like many Zimbos before him he may be forced to open to force his way into the side. I feel he could be successful there.

- Solomon Mire: Bit of a smokey but has some merits since he has done so well opening in ODI's for Zimbabwe. Before people dismiss this idea due to his aggressive approach & defence being his afterthought I ask you to remember if you thought David Warner or Dilshan would be successful opening in tests?? I remember with Warner most had tagged him as a limited overs slogger and not fit for tests, but as history has shown his quick starts & positive approach have been a major factor in Australia's recent success. The attacking fields in test cricket would also suit Mire's boundary hitting ability. Worth a shot at some point IMO.

- Vusi Sibanda: Has opened a lot for Zimbabwe with minimal success but his strength of facing fast bowling and experience opening in ODI's has him usually in the conversation. Seems to be out of the picture at the moment and has batted in the middle order for the Goats last season with limited success. Really struggles against spin & with the side having a solid middle order I can't see Vusi returning any time soon unless he has a really good season for the Goats.

- Sikander Raza: Has opened in 3 tests for Zimbabwe and scored 3 fifties, but opening in Bangladesh isn't the same as opening in Harare against Gabriel, Joseph & Holder. Also Raza has had recent success playing in the middle and is our best player of spin and is a good worker of the ball so he's more suited to the middle order. If we needed to move a middle order player up he'd be the guy before Williams or Ervine.

- Kevin Kasuza: Hit the domestic scene running and looked a bright prospect but then went 5 or so years without hitting a 100. Now after topping the Logan Cup run scoring charts with 446 runs @ 44 maybe he's ready for a test call up? First Class average of 30 is ok but concerning he's only scored 2 centuries. Can't say I've seen him play at all since the Under 19's WC a while back.

They're the serious contenders IMO and as we can see no real standout contender. For what it's worth I'd have Hami & Tino opening because I feel they're the best two blokes to see off the new ball we have. If they want to move Hami back to 3 I wouldn't complain as he's done very well there but I just don't know who would be best else to pick. Maybe Burl and Tino with Hami @3?

Hamilton Masskadza - Best Zimbabwe Batsman in recent time, he should continue opening the batting.


Tino Mawayo - One Match Wonder. His approach to Test Cricket is like late 70-80s style. Plays lots of balls and scores less. He likes to stay in the pitch without scoring runs, which is not acceptable in modern day.He should think of retirement without blocking a place in Moutaineers.


Brian Chari - Unfit for international cricket


Sibanda - Time Over, Needs retirement soon.


Chibhabha - Bits & Pieces cricketer. Team can't rely upon

[jaybro]

Who would you have Mamba?

[tawac]

I reckon you could add Innocent Kaia and Charles Kunje to the list. These two have shown some temperament opening. We should have them in the A side and see how they do.

Is Mire available for Tests?

[Kriterion_BD]

With Raza stepping up as the 2nd most reliable - heck perhaps even the single most reliable - batter in the side, I wouldn't want to ruin his flow by forcing him to open if thats not his natural position in red ball cricket. If Raza and Ervine continue to score for an entire season or the Zimbabwe equivalent (8 Tests, 20 ODIs or so), then I'd have them moved to 3 and 4, following the rule that your best batsmen bat at those two positions. Its natural that for Zimbabwe you might want to shield your two best batters a bit more and therefore slot them at 4 and 5 (incumbent Ervine and Williams). But for me, Willy should not bat any higher than 6 - which is great if he bowls a lot of overs as he did in SL.

As for opening, for now Hamilton and some other guy is probably best. Mawoyo would get my vote as well and if not him then I would actually go with Chari as I think I saw some potential in that lad to be a reasonable Test opener.

[jaybro]

Agree with everything you said Kriterion, which is unusual for us

[TapsC]

There is nothing wrong with taking time in tests.. in fact we probably lost the last test because our run rate was too high... there are certain points in a game when you have to bat time and that's why for me Tino is a good pick.. I think with the 2 new test side we are going to be playing 8-10 tests a year and I feel like that will create a need for specialists. So I think we have to really start looking at Innocent Kaia and Kunje and Burl as serious options in the team as well as the Shingi Maskadzas of this world as crazy as that might sound. Regis is a specialist but not an opener at all.

For me my opening pair depends on whether Taylor is back in time for those tests or not because that is another middle order player.

If he is back then I think Raza has to open with Williams moving one down to bat at 6. I would make him open with Tino then Hami at 3, Ervine at 4 and Taylor at 5. Regis at 7

[pariah]

like many Zimbos before him he may be forced to open to force his way into the side

Who are those many Zimbos who have been forced to open in order to "make their way into the side"? Could you perhaps provide a list?

[pariah]

I reckon you could add Innocent Kaia and Charles Kunje to the list. These two have shown some temperament opening.

There is nothing wrong with taking time in tests.. in fact we probably lost the last test because our run rate was too high... there are certain points in a game when you have to bat time...I think with the 2 new test side we are going to be playing 8-10 tests a year and I feel like that will create a need for specialists. So I think we have to really start looking at Innocent Kaia and Kunje and Burl as serious options in the team as well as the Shingi Maskadzas of this world. Regis is a specialist but not an opener at all.

Excellent posts. The likes of Kunje and Innocent Kaia have to be in the mix.

The strategy of specialists needs to be employed - which basically means no more bit-part spinners. You're picked or dropped strictly on the basis of your batting.

[pariah]

This is not about quotas, it's about realty. Which is why this specialist argument is so cruicial. It is key because the sad thing in Zimbabwe is that you can be hopeless in two formats, have a stand-out performance in one format, then suddenly here guys think you should be part of a squad for a different format or all formats. Again the reality is people want to see their own in the mix, which is not always possible. We also face the same problem in South Africa - what if Bavuma or Rabada are horribly out of form - what then? We have see past those "self-inflicted barriers".

There is a need to focus on the bowling too, not just on the batting because bowlingg is really what's causing the problem. The only non-African bowler of near-international quality in Zimbabwe is Cremer. That's a fact. To compensate for that there is a clear attempt to use non-striking run-donating personnel as "bowling options" to justify their presence in the team or accomodate them. So if specialist bowlers are strictly selected then Cremer is the only one - but like a Rabda, he can also be affected by injuries or loss of form. This partly explains his being handed the captaincy when he's not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed.

Howver, in batting there is a competitive mix. So with guys like Mire, Musakanda and Hami laying claim to 3 of the batting spots in the ODIs(and T20s?) that leaves another 3 spots for batting for non-African players. A guy like Chigumbura is an absolute must in T20s which makes it four there. Plus in that format, Malcolm Waller has definitely overtaken Sean and Craig, perhaps Moor the other T20 shoe-in. On short-term, medium-term and long-term form, Raza has been an abject failure in T20s, so definitely has to be dropped from that format.

When you move over to Tests and try and assemble the squad - you need to have 4 specialist bowlers. Add Hami at 3, Craig Ervine at 4, Raza at 6 and Regis at 7, plus two openers of which none of those players want to be (so those openers can be any of e.g. Mawoyo, Chamu, Kasuza, Chari, Innocent Kaia, Kunje and maybe Burl etc). What it essentially means is that you have Vusi, Malcolm, Williams and Musakanda fighting for one spot - number 5. It gets worse if we decide bring in a Mire at number 5, on merit as a batsman in his own right, or so that a seamer can be dropped for another spinner.

I think guys talk merit, but it's the reality they find hard to accept at times. I'm of the firm view that Raza is Test XI material, but only as a Test opener and nothing else. That would leave Zimbabwe with sufficient room to have another batting option in at 7, plus an allrounder to accomodate a 2nd specialist spinner if need be. Plus it reduces the openers headache to one as opposed to two.

01.(Opener01?)
02.(Opener02?)
03.Hami
04.Craig
05.(MiddleOrderBat?)
06.Raza (I prefer him to open so this can be reserved to groom youngsters on merit though)
07.Regis(wk)
08.Cremer (or Mushagwe/Wellington/Chisoro?)
09.(Seamer01?) (Shingi for me)
10.(Seamer02?) (Panyangara for me)
11.(Seamer03?) (Chatara for me)