Reverse Sweep: The return of legendary John Ward

[jward]

I spoke to Chopper (Charles Coventry) during the Logan Cup final, and asked him if he had thought of saying to hell with technique, I'll just go out there and enjoy my innings. He said, "Yes, I suppo I do need to relax a bit more." I think it's got to him a bit that people have ben saying for so long that he can't play the longer version of the game that it's affected all his cricket, and perhaps he's trying too hard to prove them wrong. Yes, I think he's certainly still in the frame for international cricket, even Tes cricket, if he can clear his mind and use his natural ability, with concentration and good shot selection - he's certainly got the ability.

As for Mashonaland Eagles, no, I'm afraid I don't support them! It started about ten years ago, when they were ruling the roost and some of their players were quite arrogant - they still have a reputation for being arrogant, though maybe this past season's humiliations will have cured that! Besides, it's better for cricket in Zimbabwe for the honours to be spread around the country.

[Dr_Situ(ZimFanatic)]

I spoke to Chopper (Charles Coventry) during the Logan Cup final, and asked him if he had thought of saying to hell with technique, I'll just go out there and enjoy my innings. He said, "Yes, I suppo I do need to relax a bit more." I think it's got to him a bit that people have ben saying for so long that he can't play the longer version of the game that it's affected all his cricket, and perhaps he's trying too hard to prove them wrong. Yes, I think he's certainly still in the frame for international cricket, even Tes cricket, if he can clear his mind and use his natural ability, with concentration and good shot selection - he's certainly got the ability.

Yes, Chopper still has a lot to offer

[ZIMFAN]

John,

I have so many questions! So please please don't feel obliged to answer them all...

1) How strong is the Logan Cup? It just concerns me that when the National team players are away the standard is low and that we may get a false impression of the abilities of the people who do well in such circumstances e.g. Meth, Chatara, Waller. I wonder if a really good FC player from before, someone like Fereirra, would not have scored bucket loads of runs in the circumstances.

2) Leading on from that. How highly do you rate the players who have had good seasons domestically and are knocking on the door of the national team or maybe have a few caps? Are there any you particularly rate e.g. Mutizwa, Meth, Maruma, Waller, Chatara etc.

3) What is going on with Chigs' bowling?

4) Have you heard anything on Compton/Raza playing for Zim? Also what about any other prodigals...Ireland, Ballance, Querl? Do you think the advent of Test Cricket may lure some of them home?

Thanks so much in advance. As others have said, it is really great having you on here.

[sloandog]

can't wait for the answers

[ZIMDOGGY]

I second zimfans first Q to John

It's a concern to me as I feel the success of chitara and the Meth could be false positives taking into account they were essentially bowling to B teams.

[jward]

Sorry not to be available yesterday, but it was another bad day for our internet server. Today I can just about manage - I hope!


) How strong is the Logan Cup? It just concerns me that when the National team players are away the standard is low and that we may get a false impression of the abilities of the people who do well in such circumstances e.g. Meth, Chatara, Waller. I wonder if a really good FC player from before, someone like Fereirra, would not have scored bucket loads of runs in the circumstances.

***The coaches and overseas players I have spoken to have unanimously told me the standard is quite good and not too far below that of English county cricket. From all I have seen during this past season, I have been quite impressed, too. There has been an improvement even over the course of the season - at the start of the season I was worrying that some of the teams seemed quite thin on talent, but by the end of the season there had been such an improvement that good players (Mike Chinouya from Southern Rocks just one example) were being left out of their teams, and there were very few passengers.


2) Leading on from that. How highly do you rate the players who have had good seasons domestically and are knocking on the door of the national team or maybe have a few caps? Are there any you particularly rate e.g. Mutizwa, Meth, Maruma, Waller, Chatara etc.

***They've all impressed me at domestic level, but it's impossible to predict how they will do at international level, when more experienced and just as talented players as they have failed. Meth and Chatara are both very good bowlers now, while Maruma is a genuine all-rounder at first-class level, and has a very good head in a crisis. Waller too is approaching all-rounder status, and another good man in a crisis. I can't understand why Mutizwa hasn't had more recognition recently, as he scores good runs and can play long innings.

3) What is going on with Chigs' bowling?

***Can't answer that, I'm afraid! I've hardly seen him bowl this season, and he has been around so little I haven't been able to speak to him.

4) Have you heard anything on Compton/Raza playing for Zim? Also what about any other prodigals...Ireland, Ballance, Querl? Do you think the advent of Test Cricket may lure some of them home?

With Compton I think it's just a vague consideration the last I spoke to him; Raza is in the process of qualifying, and I've told him he can easily be opening the batting with success in Zimbabwe's next World Cup - he has real flair, especially in the one-day game. There can't be many people who shared a partnership of 98 with Brian Lara, of which Lara scored 11! Ballance wants to see how his career with Yorkshire goes first - if he plays for Zimbabwe, he will be classed as an overseas player for county cricket purposes, as would have happened to Sean Ervine, and would probably lose his Yorkshire contract unless he was really good. I'm sure Alistair Campbell has been in contact with the others, but no success so far, apparently.

[brmtaylor.com admin]

Nice to have you on the forum John
It would be a shame to have this topic drop too far down the list so I'll chip in with a few questions:

1) What is the standard of club cricket like at the moment? Are clubs still struggling to stay afloat or with the recent introduction of franchises is more money flowing into club cricket?
2) Do you reckon any of the national team bowlers have the potential to be solid batsmen at Test level? ie. Do the likes of Utseya, Cremer, S Masakadza have the natural talent, or at least the potential, to score Test centuries like Streak did?

[bayhaus]

I say Utseya WILL score a test century.

[Conant]

Shingi is a better batsman than Cremer

[jimbo]

Shingi is an exciting batsman, Who can forget those two massive sixes that he hit off Johan Botha the south african bowler in our last One day match against them