2021 Zimbabwe Test team Watch
Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2020 12:34 am
At least 4 matches scheduled this year (2 vs PAK, and 2 vs AFG I think), so its a big year in the greatest format. We should discuss all things related to ZIM's 2021 Test season here, except for the actual match threads themselves.
I will discuss by picking what I think is the leading 15 players that should be picked, and I trust the rest of the forumites to discuss those picks, add their own lists, and perhaps most importantly pick out guys from outside that bunch that could/should also be given a look or two.
OPENERS:
Prince Masvaure, Kevin Kasuza
Masvaure IMO has neither the batting repertoire nor the fitness to be a viable long term solution. However, a guy who can reliably bat out the first session or even first hour of a Test could still be very handy given that ZIM still has experienced hands in the middle order. Kasuza, I don't know much about, but he did show flashes against Pakistan I believe it was and ought to get a few more chances. To be very blunt, I think Brian Chari may not be a worse option that Masvaure.
MIDDLE ORDER:
Craig Ervine, Brendon Taylor, Sean Williams, Sikander Raza, Wesley Madhevere
Not much to say here. The first 4 names are all automatic selections, and given his start in white ball cricket Madhevere himself maybe a no-brainer too. Will be interesting to see how Wez adapts to the red ball format and what kinda stuff the Pakistanis and Afghans throw at him.
WICKET-KEEPERS:
PJ Moor, Regis Chakabva
Not sure if Murray is available for selection or not. If not, Moor and Chakabva are probably the only remaining options. Both have shown some spine with the bat in the past few years.
SEAMERS:
Tendai Chatara, Kyle Jarvis, Donald Tiripano, Carl Mumba
Not sure if Jarvis is retiring, but if so, that will leave a giant hole in the Test lineup. Chatara and Mumba would probably be the top two seamers in that cast, with perhaps Tiripano edging out the likes of Chris Mpofu due to his batting ability.
SPINNERS:
Brendon Mavuta, Tendai Chisoro
Williams, Raza, and Madhevere can bowl plenty of overs of orthodox spin, so Zimbabwe can probably get away with just picking a single specialist spinner even on rank turners. Chisoro almost surely offers better control, but having a wrist spinner can often allow you to run through a lineup.
I will discuss by picking what I think is the leading 15 players that should be picked, and I trust the rest of the forumites to discuss those picks, add their own lists, and perhaps most importantly pick out guys from outside that bunch that could/should also be given a look or two.
OPENERS:
Prince Masvaure, Kevin Kasuza
Masvaure IMO has neither the batting repertoire nor the fitness to be a viable long term solution. However, a guy who can reliably bat out the first session or even first hour of a Test could still be very handy given that ZIM still has experienced hands in the middle order. Kasuza, I don't know much about, but he did show flashes against Pakistan I believe it was and ought to get a few more chances. To be very blunt, I think Brian Chari may not be a worse option that Masvaure.
MIDDLE ORDER:
Craig Ervine, Brendon Taylor, Sean Williams, Sikander Raza, Wesley Madhevere
Not much to say here. The first 4 names are all automatic selections, and given his start in white ball cricket Madhevere himself maybe a no-brainer too. Will be interesting to see how Wez adapts to the red ball format and what kinda stuff the Pakistanis and Afghans throw at him.
WICKET-KEEPERS:
PJ Moor, Regis Chakabva
Not sure if Murray is available for selection or not. If not, Moor and Chakabva are probably the only remaining options. Both have shown some spine with the bat in the past few years.
SEAMERS:
Tendai Chatara, Kyle Jarvis, Donald Tiripano, Carl Mumba
Not sure if Jarvis is retiring, but if so, that will leave a giant hole in the Test lineup. Chatara and Mumba would probably be the top two seamers in that cast, with perhaps Tiripano edging out the likes of Chris Mpofu due to his batting ability.
SPINNERS:
Brendon Mavuta, Tendai Chisoro
Williams, Raza, and Madhevere can bowl plenty of overs of orthodox spin, so Zimbabwe can probably get away with just picking a single specialist spinner even on rank turners. Chisoro almost surely offers better control, but having a wrist spinner can often allow you to run through a lineup.