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Test Series Ratings v Sri Lanka

Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2020 10:10 pm
by jaybro
Well all things considered I think it was a good series by Zimbabwe, I don't think anyone can deny that. With a 14 month break from Test cricket Zimbabwe needed everything to 'go their way' for them to grab a victory, but in contrast there were actually quite a few things that worked against them.

Zimbabwe went into the series missing a few key players in both the batting and bowling departments, Tendai Chatara injured his bicep, Brandon Mavuta apparently 'lost form', whilst Tendai Chisoro is still being 'taught a lesson in respect & loyalty' this weakened an already thin bowling department. Kyle Jarvis suffered a bulging disc after the 1st Test which put further strain on the bowling supplies, taking 20 wickets in a Test was always going to be an issue and it certainly was as Zimbabwe only took 22 wickets for the entire series.

Batting wise a lack of match practice cost both Ryan Burl & PJ Moor their spots, although the fellas who stepped in Prince Masvaure & Kevin Kasuza played really well. Burl's bowling was possibly missed more than his batting, but having never bowled in Test cricket it's uncertain if he would have had an impact.

The pitches prepared helped the batsman but hindered the bowlers, the slow nature of the decks gave the batsman time to deal with the pace of Kumara, but the Zimbabwe seamers barely made an impact with Sikander Raza leading the wicket taking list with 11 for the series. The weather also didn't help, as Zimbabwe tried to hold on for a draw in the 1st Test they were looking to the heavens for some help which came to no avail, whilst in the 2nd Test when they were looking to setup up a declaration on the 4th day rain and poor late robbed them of 30 plus overs.

Player Ratings

Prince Masvaure - 6: A good return to Test Cricket for Prince who was playing for 1st time since 2016. Identifying the opening position as his way into the side he has topped the the runs in Logan Cup and took some of that form into the Test arena. To be slightly critical of Prince he did make four starts in the series for just the one half century, he'll be looking to go big next time he gets through the new ball most likely next month in Bangladesh.

Verdict The Prince will be on a royal tour of Bangladesh

Kevin Kasuza - 7: Kasuza made an impressive start to his international career, after waiting nearly 9 years after debuting for the Mountaineers in the Logan Cup. His 1st ever innings resulted in a 50 on debut, a rare feat for Zimbabweans, although the fairy tale didn't last long as he was concussed and subbed out in both Test matches. Apart from that it looks as though Zimbabwe might have found a long term replacement for Hamilton Masakadza at the top of the order, although he needs to work on rotating the strike by picking up the singles.

Verdict As long as he stays away from bat-pad he can go to Bangladesh

Craig Ervine - 5: After a good start to the series where he top scored with 85, the form of 'Junior Slug' tailed off unfortunately as he failed to pass 20 for the remainder of the series. As is usually the case for Ervine he looked in great touch only to fall for what seemed like 'soft dismissals' especially in the 1st innings of the 2nd Test where he gave up a simple bat pad catch of Dhanajaya. After a good year in 2019 Ervine will want to make sure he gets back to scoring runs and doesn't fall into a hole like he did in 2018.

Verdict Back your bags, but it won't be a holiday

Brendan Taylor - 7: A series of frustration for various reasons from BT, yet in the final wash up he was Zimbabwe's second highest run scorer. Being the best player in the side and also taking home the biggest pay packet, BT comes under the most scrutiny so despite crossing 50 twice in the 2nd Test it was more disappointing he didn't go on to three figures rather than celebrated. A couple of dodgy lbw decisions didn't help either but his habit of falling over his front pad & being hit in line is a major concern & a red flag to any other seamer who bothered watching. He seems to also be in ODI mode no matter the situation or format he plays, if he were able to keep in a Test he would be perfectly suited to bat at 6 or 7 and play that 'care-free' counter attacking game.

Verdict Another tour of Bangladesh? Why not

Sean Williams - 7.5: A good series for Williams in his 1st as Test captain as he led the side with bat in hand scoring his 2nd Test ton along with an unbeaten 50 in the 2nd Test, his soft dismissals in the 1st Test though really hurt the side & better application could have seen Zimbabwe draw the Test. His bowling was tame as he seldom looked like taking a wicket, whilst his captaincy in the field was pretty good considering the lack of attacking options on a couple of lifeless decks. His over use of Kyle Jarvis may have contributed to his back injury, although the selection of Ainsley Ndlovu left him short of options. His under-use of Carl Mumba in the last innings was also puzzling, as he bowled just the 4 overs despite taking the 1st wicket of the innings. His decision to bat on for 1 ball which he hit for 6 to cross 50 also raised some eyebrows, but in the end it didn't really matter.

Verdict How many tours is this now since he claimed to never set foot in Bangladesh again?

Sikander Raza - 8: A mixed series for Raza with both bat & ball but his heroics in the 2nd Test where he took a 7-for boosted his rating. despite batting in the top 6 he proved to be Zimbabwe's best bowler taking 11 wickets @21 for the series, only behind Sri Lanka's Embuldenyia. His batting was hot & cold as he made starts in all 4 innings but only crossed 50 once where he threw away a Test 100, he might never get a better chance to add to his sole ton. Raza promises to be Zimbabwe's most important player for the Bangladesh Test Match with ball in hand & possibly willow as well.

Verdict Never in doubt

Regis Chakabva - 3: Regis might just be the most frustrating player amongst a host of frustrating players for Zimbabwe, we all know he has the talent & he is always racking up runs for the Eagles, so he makes himself easy to pick for the selectors. But much like the last tour of Bangladesh Chakabva's series was a tail of unfulfilled starts & missed chances behind the stumps. Surely the selectors' patience must be running thin, he hasn't passed 50 in 8 Test innings & the side can't afford for him to miss chances when the attack is scarcely producing them. His lack of match awareness is also a problem, he failed to shield the tail during his rearguard effort to save the 1st Test, in fairness he did well to hold on for so long, but in the end it was a fruitless effort.

Verdict Regis will be hoping Richmond Mutumbami doesn't find form in the next few weeks

Donald Tiripano - 4: Another series full of grit & determination from the Don that resulted in little reward, for all his effort & resolve he shows with the ball he just can't find a way to take enough wickets to be an effective bowler at International Level. 2 Wickets @67 isn't going to win you many series & his career bowling average is now close enough to 50 through his 9 Tests, surely that's a big enough portion size to know he's not good enough? He did keep things very tight though going @ 1.84 runs per over which is pretty impressive, but in a side lacking spark with the ball they need more from their new ball bowler. Again showed great spirit with the bat but again he only scored 64 runs which isn't going to win many series, are his 2 wickets & 64 runs enough to get him to Bangladesh?

Verdict Is Don, is no good (only people in Australia will understand)

Victor Nyauchi - 6.5 A good 1st series in Test Cricket for Victor Nyauchi as he took 5 wickets @ just over 31 a piece, not bad for a medium pacer on a lifeless deck. Nyauchi bowled with great control & discipline, although I thought he was Zimbabwe's key to victory in the 2nd innings of the last Test with his stump-to-stump line & length, but he struggled for control & seemed to try too many things which resulted in just the 1 wicket. Interesting to see how or if he is used going forward, he was effectively taking Tendai Chatara's spot, who will likely walk back into the side. Considering he can't really bat and the side is already filled with bowlers who can't handle the willow, he may find himself left out for someone like Tiripano in the future.

Verdict Better get a passport Victor

Kyle Jarvis - 3: Poor old Jarvis bowled his heart out in the 1st Test but had no luck & got no wickets, he probably beat the bat more than anyone else but he couldn't find the edge, or when he did it fell short or went between the staggered slips cordon Zimbabwe employed throughout the series. The fact he bowled so many overs no doubt contributed to his back injury that ruled him out of the 2nd Test & the Bangladesh series, he'll be put on ice until the Irish arrive in April. After showing signs last year of developing some skill with the bat he got out easily in both innings, it would be very beneficial for the side if he could start making some runs down the order.

Verdict Rest up big fella

Ainsley Ndlovu - 1: Never looked up to International Cricket in his few outings in the limited overs stuff last year, and despite not being the leading domestic spinner he was given a Test Cap anyway. Unsurprisingly he was out classed & ineffective throughout the Test as he struggle for penetration & couldn't contain the run-rate either. The fact he can't bat either makes it even more puzzling that he was picked, he did take a good catch off Nyauchi & also should have had Angelo Mathews out only for Regis to spill the chance.

Verdict Totally out of his depth which probably means he'll be the loan spinner on the plane

Tino Mutombodzi - 3.5: Another spin bowler that looked totally out of his depth at Test level, as the ZC selectors continued to try and pick anyone but Tendai Chisoro. In theory it seemed like a good pick as Tino is probably a better bat than bowler despite him being amongst the leading wicket takers in Logan Cup this year. But he couldn't find his length in the 1st innings where he was either bowling full tosses or half trackers, his bowling improved in the 2nd innings, but he didn't show signs that he could become a genuine wicket taker. Batted pretty well for his 33 in the 1st innings which ended with a poor swipe across the line, fielded well as usual.

Verdict Don't get your hopes up Tino

Carl Mumba - 5.5: The much awaited return to Test cricket for Carl Mumba was a bit of a fizzer, a slow low deck didn't help him out, but despite his previous showings that brought some fiery pace, he seems to have lost a yard or two. It often happens to Zim pacers where for some reason they lose pace at a young age, maybe his recovery from that ACL injury is still troubling him? Despite this he bowled pretty well and took 2 wickets, as mentioned above he should have got more than his 4 overs in the 2nd innings.

Verdict The Bangladesh pitches won't suit him, and he won't part of the ODI side so ZC will save their cash on his flight ticket

Brain Mudzinganyama - 2: Brought into the 1st Test as a concussion sub for Kasuza, he looked out of his depth but was still able to survive to stumps on the 4th Day. Still very much a player for the future but probably a bit raw still and will benefit from more First Class cricket before he returns to Test Cricket.

Verdict Will be death riding PJ Moor in next few matches

Tymcen Maruma - 0: Another sub for Kasuza this time in the 2nd Test, Maruma was making his 1st test appearance since 2013. To no surprise of the forum members Timmy was once again shown to be out of his depth on the International scene, his prolonged duck was painful to watch, luckily Zimbabwe were already in a strong position so it didn't really matter.

Verdict Surely we've seen the last of him? Probably not

Re: Test Series Ratings v Sri Lanka

Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2020 11:15 pm
by ZIMDOGGY
Well done. 98% nailed it.
It would have been 100 but I think you are very generous for Mumba and his one wicket across two innings.

Re: Test Series Ratings v Sri Lanka

Posted: Wed Feb 05, 2020 3:36 am
by Black Mamba
Bowling simply venomless. Zimbabwe needs bowlers with raw pace like Muzarabani, Matigamu back.

Its hard to pick 20 wickets with this bowling.

Re: Test Series Ratings v Sri Lanka

Posted: Wed Feb 05, 2020 3:37 am
by jaybro
ZIMDOGGY wrote:
Tue Feb 04, 2020 11:15 pm
Well done. 98% nailed it.
It would have been 100 but I think you are very generous for Mumba and his one wicket across two innings.
Possibly I was generous to Mumba, it's no secret he's a favourite of mine, but he took 2 wickets for 56 runs for the match is fairly good considering he was under used by Williams

Re: Test Series Ratings v Sri Lanka

Posted: Wed Feb 05, 2020 7:10 am
by foreignfield
An excellent read, jaybro. Thanks!

Re: Test Series Ratings v Sri Lanka

Posted: Wed Feb 05, 2020 7:57 am
by sloandog
Where about is Matigmu these days?

Re: Test Series Ratings v Sri Lanka

Posted: Wed Feb 05, 2020 8:01 am
by jaybro
sloandog wrote:
Wed Feb 05, 2020 7:57 am
Where about is Matigmu these days?
Good question

Re: Test Series Ratings v Sri Lanka

Posted: Wed Feb 05, 2020 8:02 am
by jaybro
foreignfield wrote:
Wed Feb 05, 2020 7:10 am
An excellent read, jaybro. Thanks!
My pleasure

Re: Test Series Ratings v Sri Lanka

Posted: Wed Feb 05, 2020 9:45 am
by Andybligzz
Bang on the money per usual jaybro , love the “ is don , is good ! “ classic . Regis has to go though , he’s had enough chances and doesn’t bring anything capable of winning us a match or even drawing us a match. Out with the old and try someone different ! I do like the idea of Brendan at 5-6 playing more strokes and placing more pressure on the skip ( seems to love the pressure )

Re: Test Series Ratings v Sri Lanka

Posted: Wed Feb 05, 2020 12:06 pm
by ZIMDOGGY
jaybro wrote:
Wed Feb 05, 2020 3:37 am
ZIMDOGGY wrote:
Tue Feb 04, 2020 11:15 pm
Well done. 98% nailed it.
It would have been 100 but I think you are very generous for Mumba and his one wicket across two innings.
Possibly I was generous to Mumba, it's no secret he's a favourite of mine, but he took 2 wickets for 56 runs for the match is fairly good considering he was under used by Williams
I watched his bowling with interest too. It’s my opinion he was a pressure release for SL after tight but soft bowling from Nyauchi and Don.
Some balls had a bit of zip though.