Zimbabwean opening batsman Mark Vermeulen has given an interview to ''Prothom Alo'', a daily newspaper of Bangladesh.
Key points:
* Grant Flower is currently doing level 4 coaching course in UK. He will soon return to Zimbabwe and will be appointed as a player/coach by a franchise.
* The return of Andy Blignaut is almost certain. He will appear for a franchise side very soon.
* Mark Vermeulen is hoping to be completely fit before the start of the ODI series. He is having a groin injury (mentioned in ZCF already).
* He thinks that Zimbabwe will get ready for tests by next year.
* He is getting frustrated by the traffic jam of Bangladesh
Just couldnt beleived my eyes when i saw the ZCN headline. Muah...Brendan, for the top news. Translate it fast as everything in Zimfan1's body is crossed.
Zim Rules
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dr Satendra Singh, Delhi, India
Twitter: @drsitu
His debut in international cricket is with Flower brothers, Campbell and Streak. He has experienced the same ups and downs like Zimbabwe cricket. He was arrested in 2006 for starting fire in the cricket academy (building). He is returning after getting over mental illness. Yesterday during Zimbabwe's practise match in Ftuallah Mark Vermeulen talked about a lot of things.
PA: Aren't you playing today?
MV: I have a slight injury- in groin. It first started in Kenya series. For that reason I couldn't play the last match. But, I am hoping that before one day series starts I will be fully fit.
PA: How are you doing in generak? Meaning, have you got over from all the problems you used to have before?
MV: Now I am really well. Bad phase comes to everyone's life. Life has vicissititudes; these are all part of life. I have left behind that episode. Now I am enjoying every moment of life. I like to remain as is all the time.
PA: This is the first tour after returning to squad, correct?
MV: Yes, loving it. Actually, I have missed a lot everything when I was out of the squad. It feels great to be part of the squad.
PA: This is the first visit to Bangladesh. How is it?
MV: It's been only few days. But, Dhaka's traffic jam is horrifying. Today (Friday), the route that took us five minutes, last night it took us half an hour. If I had to face this sort of traffic jam everyday, I would have gone crazy.
PA: Zimbabwe's previous team was very strong. You have played for that team, now you are playing for this present team. What is the difference?
MV: That team was outstanding. I can't describe the experience playing with Flower brothers. I have learnt a lot. Young players had a lot to learn from them. I have been very disappointed at their speedy departure. What else to do...now I am the team's senior cricketer; I have a lot of responsibilty on me.
PA: A lot is being heard about Zimbabwe cricket. What is the real condition?
MV: Situation has changed now, Domestic cricket's structure has been arranged, money has been increased. For this, cricketers can concentrate on cricket only. Former cricketer's are getting involved. Kenya's Dave Hutton was the batting coach; now, he is working with domestic teams. Streak is also involved. Grant Flower did a Level-4 coaching course in England. Soon he will return home and join as coach cum cricketer in a domestic team. All in all, we will be prepared for playing test by next year.
PA: It's being said that a lot are returning.
MV: Yes, we are also hearing the same thing. Andy Blignaut's return is very much possible. We will see him in team very soon. A lot more may come back.
PA: What's the goal for this series?
MV: First goal is to get over injury (laughs). Actually, personally the team's goal is one - to play good. To keep evidence on the fact that we are improving.
PA: How are you liking Bangladesh weather? Is it very hot?
MV: No. In Zimbabwe it's much hotter than here now. After few days the temperature may rise to 38-40 degrees. Sometimes it reaches even 45 degree.
sloandog wrote:If Flower returns, does anybody think he'll consider playing for zimbabwe agin ?? Or is that out the question ??
I don't think he will play for Zimbabwe again. He has officially retired from international cricket in 2004.
And I forgot to mention here, in an another interview with Prothom Alo, Zimbabwean chief selector Alistair Campbell also said that Grant Flower will join in coaching soon.
I'm very thrilled to hear the possible return of Andy Blignaut. I rate him very highly as a world class allrounder. Hope he joins Tuskers
