The Mountaineers changes are squad rotation - they have about 15 good players, any of whom could play without weakening the side significantly, so those left out have been rested and, if there was another match, would probably all return in place of others. Congratulations to Taffy Mupariwa for his excellent captaincy of Tuskers today - instead of a poor attitude for their dismal season, they showed purpose and enthusiasm in the field, also shown by the extremely rare achievement of bowling their 90 overs (91, actually) within six hours.
Good to hear that Taffy has captaincy potential.
Have you seen much of young Phiri? Does he have a good technique or more aggressive nature?
Phiri didn't last long today and he really struggled, so I can't judge on just the one brief appearance.
Thanks John. That makes sense. Although I would have given as much game time as possible for Mashinge, given that he has that elusive all-rounder potential. Also great to hear about Taffy's captaincy.
Also, Shingi has been in good six hitting form for a while now. Do you think it makes sense to try him as a pinch hitting batsman in our upcoming T20 qualifiers? There are very few people around in the country who seem to have this potential of clearing the fences at will. Also, what is your take on Bothwell Cahpungu for the same role?
Possibly Shingi might make a good pinch-hitter - we can just try him and see. Bothwell is more of a specialist batsman, a biffer, rather a loose technique, so if he comes off he will be good, but may well have a lot of failures in between at top level, like Cephas Zhuwao.
I think Zhuwao & Mire are better options than Bothwell or Shingi as a pitch hitter.
Why has Murray played just the one match now he’s gone again?
Hard to pick him for national honours with precious little cricket behind him
Ryan Murray is actually in his final year at Cape Town University, so he is only available part-time - I'm surprised he has been able to play much at all. The last time I spoke to him, he was very committed to Zimbabwe cricket, so I hope nothing goes sour there and he will have a long and successful future with us once he graduates.
Yes, but Vitori rarely had much success as a hitter against pace, he mainly devours spin. Also he certainly can't win a place without his bowling, and I'm not confident he will ever get that permanently right. Maybe - but I wouldn't bet on it.
Thanks John. That makes sense. Although I would have given as much game time as possible for Mashinge, given that he has that elusive all-rounder potential. Also great to hear about Taffy's captaincy.
Also, Shingi has been in good six hitting form for a while now. Do you think it makes sense to try him as a pinch hitting batsman in our upcoming T20 qualifiers? There are very few people around in the country who seem to have this potential of clearing the fences at will. Also, what is your take on Bothwell Cahpungu for the same role?
Possibly Shingi might make a good pinch-hitter - we can just try him and see. Bothwell is more of a specialist batsman, a biffer, rather a loose technique, so if he comes off he will be good, but may well have a lot of failures in between at top level, like Cephas Zhuwao.
The Mountaineers changes are squad rotation - they have about 15 good players, any of whom could play without weakening the side significantly, so those left out have been rested and, if there was another match, would probably all return in place of others. Congratulations to Taffy Mupariwa for his excellent captaincy of Tuskers today - instead of a poor attitude for their dismal season, they showed purpose and enthusiasm in the field, also shown by the extremely rare achievement of bowling their 90 overs (91, actually) within six hours.
Good to hear that Taffy has captaincy potential.
Have you seen much of young Phiri? Does he have a good technique or more aggressive nature?
Phiri didn't last long today and he really struggled, so I can't judge on just the one brief appearance.
I saw Phiri bat in the second innings today and he looked much better, quite impressive. He played very soundly, technique looked fine and good shot selection. He was called on to play a mainly defensive role and he did it very well, and is still not out overnight.
I saw Phiri bat in the second innings today and he looked much better, quite impressive. He played very soundly, technique looked fine and good shot selection. He was called on to play a mainly defensive role and he did it very well, and is still not out overnight.