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This is the first of a series I hope to unleash over the next few days, looking at our Test team department by department. I start at the top by looking at the openers, then I intend to look at the top order (3,4,5) then the middle order (6,7), then finally the lower order/bowlers. For those not too familiar with the specific positions refer to this easy to follow guide. Please note these are my ideas, and by no means the "holy grail" the point is to engage in discussion and exchange views. If I have left out your favourite, then by all means convince me they should be here, (but please spare me the void argument so and so is better with no argument to back it or calling me names because I omitted so and so...put a compelling argument across) and hopefully our selectors whom I hope do sneak a peek every now and then can have a listen to what we think.

For me we have a settled opening pair in Vusi and Tino, and if we can build on this all the better, Vusi’s imminent departure and the implication of the “home-based” selection rule, may force a decoupling of the set openers. Who do we have in the wings waiting? I know of a few we have seen in FC or even at international level, have I missed any? Feel free to add.

Incumbents:

Sibanda [age 28 ](88 FC matches, ave 32) and Mawoyo [age 25 ] (75 FC matches, ave 29)

Vusi has been in good touch, two big half centuries vs Bangladesh and NZ (78 and 93), 45 vs Pakistan, 38 v Bangladesh and two failures 13 vs NZ and 5 vs Pakistan, third most prolific runs scorer (272) and an overall average of 45.33.

Mawoyo has been solid enough, a huge Century, a fighting half century, a 43 and 35, and only two failures of 12 and 5. Second highest runs in the 3 matches (310), at an average of 62.

Obviously I am not overly unhappy about the incumbents. Hardly dismissal performances, but I do hope we come to expect at least a half century with international experience. Tino for me is the quintessential opener, patience and a dogged character and sees off the new ball and can score later. Vusi, tends to be a bit more aggressive and that does curtail his chances of centuries, but is more technically adept than his partner. As a pair they contrast well and are very complementary, I’d hate to see Duffin and Mawoyo paired (plus point is they would bore the bowlers to sleep!) but the innings would never get the impetus it needs. On the other hand I’d hate to see Vusi and say Chibhabha open, they are too chancy, it would be brilliant if it came off but there would be very few times if any that they BOTH last more than 10 overs! Any ways bottom line is I think we have a template for our opening, a solid aggressor (Vusi) and a solid dogged defier (Tino) on the other end. This then leads to the challengers.

Challengers:

Mutizwa [age 26 ](48 FC matches, ave 43), Ewing [age 30 ](51 FC matches, ave 41), Duffin [age 29 ](62 FC matches, ave 29) , Chibhabha [age 25 ] (62 FC matches, ave 27 ), Raza [age 25 ] (19 FC matches, ave 40)

I am not sure (please correct me if I am wrong) these guys have opened before, or at the very least play in the top order (3,4,5). I’d say of these the best replacement for Mawoyo if ever need arose would be either Ewing or Duffin (obviously I prefer the former) as these are patient and solid enough to suit the “defier” role. As for Vusi, I’d be tempted to go with Raza or Chibhabha (more the former than the latter), to give the innings an impetus. Mutizwa is an interesting one here, technically and astatically he may not be the most eye catching, but a look at his stats suggests a reassessment of his abilities. He is not a specialist opener, but there may be a temptation to convert him into one, especially if Vusi’s move presents a problem. For me he seems the most competent of the lot (based on stats alone) but his biggest let down is that he is not a specialist opener, but then again is Vusi a specialist opener? He is on record as being happier in the top (3,4,5) order, and indeed bats in there for the Rhinos.

Below the challengers I have a group of up and comings and “others”, i.e. not so young agewise but not experienced enough to be a challenger.

Others/Up and comming:

Gupo [age 22] (19 FC matches, ave17), Kaia [age 20] (8 FC matches, ave 28), [please help with more names here!]

Mariller [age 27] (21 FC matches, ave 28), Raza [age 25 ] (19 FC matches, ave 40), Mlambo [age 25] (43 FC matches, ave 25),

None of these guys have really set the stage on fire to say, like the up and coming bowlers have. I do worry a bit, but then our current pool of openers can go on, barring form loss or injury, for at least another 5 years, so there is time still. I have dropped Marriller, Mlambo and Raza here as they are young in terms of experience. Raza though seems the only one worth moving to the challenger league. Do any of you guys know of any I have missed?

Fantasy team: Balance [age 22 ](28 FC matches, ave 52) If only he would reconsider, and I am not begging him or spending time on him, there is a thread that discusses this already…so this is just an “if only” and need not be debated!, but just think if only!

Ewing

ZIMDOGGY wrote:Ewing

What about him Doggy? Lets engage...

I'd go Ewing for Tino and Hami for Vusi. I know you haven't mentioned him, but he has plenty of international experience opening and if you are prepared to create an opener then I'd go with Hami and slot Mutizwa into the middle order as the others are bumped up one by Vusi being unavailable.

That is assuming the two incumbents are brokem up for some reason. Happy with the current combination as it stands.

FlowerPower wrote:I’d say of these the best replacement for Mawoyo if ever need arose would be either Ewing or Duffin (obviously I prefer the former) as these are patient and solid enough to suit the “defier” role.

Ewing is the opposite actually. More of an aggressor, only less aesthetically(not astatically) pleasing - like your Hami. On that note, I don't really know why anyone would want Ewing as an opener. He's never been an opener all his career! The only reason he's played himself there on occasion for the Tuskers, is because he can see that the level of competition is so low in comparison to the 'stable' times during which he initially played cricket, so much that he can afford to do so and get away with it - which he has. He's a middle order batsmen, not even top order!

I go with Duffin! He will score quicker than Tino. Don't put him and Tino in the same bracket. As you always insist, you may compare their 'current' Logan Cup strike rates if you wish - huge gulf (actually between Tino and everone else who matters). That fellow is an enigma. Flashy at one point, even selected to play ODIs and the WC! He's 'reinvented' himself, so now Tino is an extreme case of an international player who just cannot score runs freely. Inevitably mere crease occupation will mean your score moves from zero to something, and if you last loooooong enough, that something will look good than it really is. And that's the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!

I still insist that Vusi should be a 'top' order batsman, not an opener. It's like England getting KP or Bell to open. Unthinkable at Test level! You're either Sehwag/Sanath/Hayden or you're not. Dilshan and McCullum seem to forget that from time to time as well! We're wasting Vusi as an opener!

First of all, a very astute assessment of the top order, FlowerPower.

hhm wrote: I go with Duffin! He will score quicker than Tino. Don't put him and Tino in the same bracket. As you always insist, you may compare their 'current' Logan Cup strike rates if you wish - huge gulf (actually between Tino and everone else who matters). That fellow is an enigma. Flashy at one point, even selected to play ODIs and the WC! He's 'reinvented' himself, so now Tino is an extreme case of an international player who just cannot score runs freely. Inevitably mere crease occupation will mean your score moves from zero to something, and if you last loooooong enough, that something will look good than it really is. And that's the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!

I suppose three test matches are not enough to pass judgement on Tino. I was very sceptical about his inclusion in the test team (while trusting GF's work with Tino, and so giving the selectors the benefit of the doubt), and he has exceeded all expectations. In fact, as hhm rightly points out, Tino used be known more for his stroke play than his defensive technique, and there is the distinct possibility that he will never again emerge from his shell. But, he's got the shots! And as much as he has blocked himself through most of his test innings, he also unfurled quite a number of those shots. So there is also the possibility that when he becomes more comfortable with his role in the test team he will score more freely. Again, it's early days! But as Sir Viv used to say: "If a guy got shots, I can teach him defense. If a guy got no shots, it's no use." (or something along those lines)

i agree that Vusi is being wasted as an opener . Remember Taylor was also opening before but when he was moved down the order , number 3 he sparkled .I would move Vusi to 4 , the results would be impressive . The shine would have been taken off the ball and they wont be that much at the time he will be coming in .
I would try to get Hammi/Chibhabha to open perhaps with (Mawoyo /Duffin )....... thoughts
We could try these experiments even at franchise level .... I know international cricket is different but it will provide a basis for our selections.

I don't get why you guys need to change anything, like at all. Unless some stupid rule forces us to ditch Vusi (in which case then we should change that rule - or get Vusi a county contract, then he can play in our off season). Vusi and Tino are doing well, their only failure was a 9 against Pakistan. They have a century stand, two half centuries (69 & 71) and two twenties (24 & 25). Do not change anything.

Jemisi I didn't mention Hami, as he has struggled at one. Even for the goats he bats at 3. But I can see what you mean, and maybe hhm and power would agree if you swapped Vusi and Hami...

power and hhm (thanks for the spelling corrections!) I tend to agree with the assertion that Vusi could probably do better in the top order and not opening. My only worry about that is Vusi has done well opening, so who do we move up or bring in. hhm you say Ewing isn't an opener, I'm sure he's opened a couple of times before, but I'll take your word for it you do have a PhD in Ewing (no sarcasm meant!), so that rules him out, Duffin, I see you never give up hhm to avoid the wreath of maehara I will simply point you our earlier debate to which you conceeded to Duffins short comings, is it necessary to go over that again?

Boundary its not a case of changing the team, personally I'm happy with the status quo, the point is to merely assess options available and replacements should they become necessary. And the state of Zim cricket in terms of openers.