[Match Thread] Zim v Pak 1st Test

[CrimsonAvenger]

So, that's our Wall gone. Do we have a Wallest in the house?

[brmtaylor.com admin]

So, that's out Wall gone. Do we have a Wallest in the house?

No, but we do have a Waller.

[CrimsonAvenger]

Well, irrespective of what happens in the rest of the test, we have rarely put a foot wrong when we have bowled. Yes, it remained that we did not take that 20th wicket, but we can hold our heads high. Panyangara late in the first innings and Utseya for most part of the first innings were slightly less impressive with the ball, but Panyangara was outstanding in the second innings, and I thought Utseya bowled very well in the first. Chatara and Shingi have been nothing less than sensational throughout. Shingi looks class in the longest version time and again. The field settings were excellent, the bowling changes were thoughtful and the energy in the field throughout the time out there was great to see. Hamilton's captaincy has been questionable in his earlier stand in stints, but he has been spot on throughout this test. Well done boys, we are proud of your efforts so far. Let us see what we can do tomorrow...

[eugene]

Time for Mawoyo to make way for Sean Williams I think. Mawoyo hasn't really done much since that innings against Pakistan.

[CrimsonAvenger]

Time for Mawoyo to make way for Sean Williams I think. Mawoyo hasn't really done much since that innings against Pakistan.

Well he made that fighting half century against a fiery attack in the WI at the beginning of the year, and has been unfortunate with the injury. Too harsh on him, but I do hold similar thoughts on replacing him with Williams: http://zimcricketforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=6375

[Googly]

Here's the league he was talking about: https://www.facebook.com/harare.friendlies

They had no problem finding sponsorship it seems. And it confirms Lamb has retired.

While it's nice to find quite a few household names from the past there amongst the runs and wickets, with Mark Vermeulen on top of the runs scorers list (http://www.hararefriendlies.com/runs), I'm sorry to say that it's pretty deflating to see a cricket league in Harare in the year 2013 that is 95% white, maybe 4% Asian, and has exactly two black bowlers listed (one of them Peacemore Zimwa -- good on him!).

That's just an observation from an outsider's perspective. Not blaming anyone here.

It's Boozers' League. You get together with a bunch of mates, make up a team, buy some team shirts and pay your $10 ea for ground hire and play a friendly game of cricket. They drink before, during and after the game. Everyone is welcome to play. There's quite a few really good ex cricketers and the standard is good in bursts. When a weak guy comes in the guys take it easy on him. Fielding is shocking as the guys are fat and out of shape. The batting team supplies the umpires. Why don't some of the ex black cricketers make their own teams of mates, get some youngsters to join in and have a nice day?
That would be a much better question!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They aren't that interested.
They don't want to pay a cent.
It would probably end badly with some of the umpiring skills. They'd have to fly in Test Umpires or it would end up in a racial thing.
To prove a point they would probably find some really strong players and it would get unpleasant.
Leave them in peace.

[eugene]

Despite being a Boozers League it still seems more organised than anything ZC can pull together.

[foreignfield]

Not blaming anyone here.

Leave them in peace.

I knew you would take this badly and I'm sorry you tend to misunderstand me. But I'll rather leave it at that because there's an exciting Test match going on, and I really have no business in this ...

[foreignfield]

Well, irrespective of what happens in the rest of the test, we have rarely put a foot wrong when we have bowled. Yes, it remained that we did not take that 20th wicket, but we can hold our heads high. Panyangara late in the first innings and Utseya for most part of the first innings were slightly less impressive with the ball, but Panyangara was outstanding in the second innings, and I thought Utseya bowled very well in the first. Chatara and Shingi have been nothing less than sensational throughout. Shingi looks class in the longest version time and again. The field settings were excellent, the bowling changes were thoughtful and the energy in the field throughout the time out there was great to see. Hamilton's captaincy has been questionable in his earlier stand in stints, but he has been spot on throughout this test. Well done boys, we are proud of your efforts so far. Let us see what we can do tomorrow...

Thanks for that write-up, Crimson, as I missed all of today's play. I've just gone through all the comments, which helps one to relive some of the painful moments of today. Thanks to everyone for their contributions!

[Jemisi]

I hope we at least fight for a good way through the day. Even if Ajmal wipes us out to take 13 or 14, I hope we don't give up.