Taibu, Utseya, Mpofu dropped

[zimfan1]

Taibu, Utseya, Mpofu dropped


Zimbabwe’s number one fast bowler Christopher Mpofu, spinner Prosper Utseya and wicketkeeper/ batsman Tatenda Taibu have all been left-out of the squad to take on Australia “A” in a four-day match in Harare starting on Friday.

Zimbabwe will employ a seam-based bowling attack where they would look to rookies Tendai
Chatara, Brian Vitori and Njabulo Ncube to provide the needed pace for the longer version of the game.

While there is genuine concern on Zimbabwe’s pace resources the exclusion of Mpofu, who has been improving in the past year and proving to be a key man in the limited-overs format, comes as a surprise with Zimbabwe looking to do well and regaining confidence.

Selector Alistair Campbell defended the decision to leave out Mpofu saying they were looking at giving the upcoming seamers an opportunity against quality batsmen.

“These two games are more about preparation for the Tests than they are about results. Of-course we want to do well and we want to win, but it is an opportunity for us to see what we can get from these emerging seam bowlers,” said Campbell.

“Mpofu has not been dropped, it’s just that he has played against quality opposition for a long time and we know what he can give us. He remains our first choice fast bowler, but we decided to rest him for these two matches.”

Taibu, who also missed out on the triangular series that included the same opposition and South Africa “A”, is still sidelined by injury as is Graeme Cremer.
The two are facing a fitness race ahead of the Bangladesh series that starts on July 30.

Campbell also said that the trio of Chatara, Ncube and Vitori had to prove themselves in these two games if they are to claim the other two places available for seamers.

“They are all showing signs of promise, they have been doing well playing domestic cricket but we want to see how they respond facing quality batsmen and if they do well they may just find themselves in the Test team against Bangladesh.”


Zimbabwe is gearing up for the return to playing Test cricket where they will start with a one-off Test against Bangladesh before engaging Pakistan and New Zealand respectively.

Opening batsman Tino Mawoyo and Vusa Sibanda, regarded as more tailor-made for Test matches, have both been included in the 13-member squad.

The selectors and technical team seem to have decided to go with one spinner, Raymond Price, but may also be looking at Malcolm Waller weighing in.

Batsman Hamilton Masakadza comes in with Test experience under his belt. Another notable exclusion is pace-man Kyle Jarvis who was looking to make a return to the national team after a long injury lay-off.

http://www.newsday.co.zw/article/2011-0 ... fu-dropped

[zimfan1]

Misleading article, confirms that Taibu and Cremer are still injured and not dropped and that they are just wanting to have a look at the other seemers.


Squad

1) Taylor
2) Sibanda
3) Mawoyo
4) Ervine
5) M​asakadza
6) Waller
7) Mutizwa
8) Chigumbura
9) Chakabva
10) Price
11) Vitori
12) Ncube
13) Ch​atara

[hhm]

There is a certain Keegan Orry Meth, who plies his trade for the allmighty Matabeleland Tuskers from that great city of Bulawayo, who happens to be missing from that list. Any news on that one?

[eugene]

I assume this means that Mpofu's place in the full side is preety much secure so they are now going to look at some other guys.

[ZIMDOGGY]

Nothing to see here folks.... Next!

[jimbo]

I guess Jarvis and Masacadza junior will get their chance in the second 4 dayer

[bayhaus]

But we had the chance for the full team to play two FC games against a strong Aus A team

ZC doesnt even belive their own hype thats why they are putting these teams to save face. If the REAL team went for 400 on the first day then the knives would have been out already. But now its still a wait and see. On the other hand ZC might be optimistic and saying this team CAN Handle the AUS A team so we can give our main guys a break. I think they were actually to see the boys bat the whole day through their 90overs.

[jimbo]

The thing I am concerned about is that it is all well and good to examine players on the fringe before Tests start again. But we had the chance for the full team to play two FC games against a strong Aus A team that would have likely played to a higher standard than Bangladesh will in a month. This would have been a good chance to be coming off a tough series and then finding that the difficulty of the first test back was actually lower than the last practise games.

I dont think ZC know their strongest side, particularly what bowlers to put in. Now if Chatara or Jarvis shine in the next couple of matches then the prize of test cricket surely beckons

[brmtaylor.com admin]

I agree with Jemisi. The one day series should have been used to trial players, the First Class matches should have been treated like Test matches and been used to field the strongest possible team to prepare for Bangladesh. But injuries would have made that difficult anyway, so it is what it is.

As far as I'm concerned, Jarvis, Chatara and Vitori are fighting for one spot. And even that spot is questionable because it could well go to Meth. Chigumbura's recent form means he has virtually secured his place and this opens up a spot for a second spinner. If he recovers from his injury my pick would be Cremer, but Utseya's recent form has been very good and I don't think anyone would bat an eyelid if he got the nod.

[jimbo]

Meth would add solidity to the batting order certainly coming in at number 8 after chigumbura, He has a better first class batting record than List A where his batting flatters to decieve, If meth did come in then I would only play one spinner in price because a bowling attack of say Meth,Chigumbura and Mpofu doesnt fill me with confidence, They would need a strike Bowler to complement them, Now Chatara and Shingi have proved this in their first class records they just need to play against stronger opposition hence the Aussie matches

i feel there will probably be a complete rotation in the second fourdayer particularly with the bowlers, i can see Shingi, jarvis and Payanagara coming in to have a go at the aussies replacing Ncube,Chatara and Vitori