What a man! Hope he doesn't stop at 100 ODI wicket as he is hinting. We need him for many more seasons. And that comment about Tendulkar shows how humble he is. He had him in all sorts of trouble in that match and at Delhi, but the umpires did not oblige many a times on plum LBW shouts.Raymond, a valuable ‘Price’ for Zimbabwe
The name Raymond Price would register among Indians quickly than his uncle Nick Price. Raymond is Zimbabwe’s left-arm spinner, while Nick is a famous golfer.
After making his one-day international debut in September 2002 against India at Colombo, Price has played 83 matches and taken 80 wickets. Much is expected from the 34-year-old Price on pitches that are likely to be more favourable to the slow men in the World Cup. Zimbabwe starts its campaign with a tough opponent in Australia here on Monday, February 21. Price has played four matches against Australia, all in 2004, and has taken just one wicket.
“It’s always good to be in India. The last time we were here in 2002, we enjoyed ourselves; India is a good country to learn, especially for the spinners. There will be a bit more pressure (on the captains) to play the spinners. It’s their (spinners) job and they have to get on with it. Hopefully there will be big crowds, lots of noise and lots of fun.
Excerpts from a media session with Price.
Expectations from fans in Zimbabwe: We just saw the football World Cup in South Africa. Hopefully the interest will run over into the cricket World Cup. Things are improving in Zimbabwe. Hopefully we will be able to play well in this tournament.
Bowling in tandem with off-spinner (Prosper Utseya): Prosper and I have worked very well together; the lines are different though. We have slightly different fields as well. I enjoy bowling with him. The conditions suited our bowling in the West Indies last year, except for the last match played at the Arnos Vale Stadium, St. Vincent. There was more bounce. We thought we would use spin as a major weapon on that tour and we enjoyed the experience.
100 wickets in ODIs: Prosper (Utseya) has also done well. I would like to get the hundred before I retire. I am still young at heart. Hope this tournament goes well for Zimbabwe and me.
Duel with Sachin Tendulkar in the Nagpur Test in 2002: Sanjay (Bangar) was hitting well, but we should not forget that Sachin made a big century (176) in that game. I did get him out finally, but after he had scored heavily. It’s always a fantastic opportunity to bowl to a batsman like Sachin. It was just a privilege to bowl to him. Hope I can take some revenge, if we meet in the semifinal.
Bowling with the new ball: We have been practicing with the new ball for a long time. The more you practice it’s easier to do it in the middle. We have been struggling a little bit with our seam attack and the spinners have had to open the bowling. That’s part of our job. It’s a bit difficult (to bowl with the new ball) in day-night games, especially in the second session.
Tussle against Australia: It’s always good fun playing against Australia. They are highly competitive. They are the No.1 ODI team. We just have to get as confident as we can and do the usual things that we do well. We have beaten them a few times as well. We are not afraid of them, but respect them.
Tactics against Shane Watson and Brad Haddin: Shane Watson has had a great run up to the World Cup. He won a game on his own scoring 161 against England at Melbourne. Haddin hits the ball nice and clean. So it’s going to be a good challenge for us. At the same time we have also bowled to Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden. It’s never going to be easy and so do the best you can.
Return of Brett Lee: He’s proved how fit he is. You could see that in his body language and his face against India in the warm-up game. He’s hungry and he really wants to do well. Australia has four really good seamers. That’s their plan of attack. Lee is going to lead them.
And the statement on revenge in the WC semifinal, only Price can come up with gems like that
