[Match Thread] West Indies v Zimbabwe (3rd ODI)

[sloandog]

Putting in Coventry won’t help much. Him and Matsi are both equally inept. So he will walk in and make a few, maybe 15, then walk out, thanks very much Covy.

No i disagree Conant. Coventry has better foot movement apposed to Stuart Matskinyeri, not to mention the fact that he has better stroke play and is a better fielder. I think he deserves a game. And yeah it wouldn't be a bad idea giving Chibahba a shot at opening. He's got a very soid technique. A few changes from this squad need to be made for the T20 world cup. I'd certainl;y have Greg Strydom in the mix, perhaps Andy Blignaut if he's willing to play once more

[shumbat]

this could be the turning point for Zim cricket, our batting and fast bowling needs to be fixed. Our lineup rarely changes nomatter how poorly players perform. We need to try out more form players from our big pool of domestic players. Look at how many players WI changed since the first ODI, if you do not perform you get dropped, Matsi, Vusi, Maruma, Lamb, think about those waiting in the wings like Williams, Ewing, Meth, Mutizwa, Chibhabha, Mpariwa, Rainsford, Ebrahim, Ervine, could have had a game after this dismal performance

[eugene]

Unfortunately I can think of few players not in this current squad who would do any better. Sean Williams is clearly missed and it is unfortunate that he struggles with fitness so much. Chamu Chibhabha is not the answer, it has been shown time after time that he is not of an international standard - much like Sibanda and Matsikenyeri. Hopefully Sean Ervine will return to the fold when his county contract expires next season as he would improve the batting and bowling.

[StevenZim]

How disappointing. Every series Zim has played lately they have had a game like this where they collapse. We need two seamers in the team and Bring in Coventry. When we do get back to test cricket you will get thrashed if you just have one spinner in your side. Matsi or lamb out and cov in for game 4.

[StevenZim]

Meant to say would get thrashed in tests with only one seamer. Not spinner.

[Dr_Situ(ZimFanatic)]

I reckon thats a highly stupid decision and poor composition. Why bowl first when you hav only spinners? Whats the fun in chasing when you have a shaky middle order with ppl like Lamb in and coventry out? We have blown two great chances in last match and this one and so disappointed that i fear 1-4 loss.

Win toss and bat first. Retain Maruma, axe Matsi for Coventry and bring Chibhabha for Vusi. dont allow to bat lamb before no. 9

[jamthala]

Very disappointing.i am saying again and again.axe matsikenyari and bring coventry/chibhaba

[CrimsonAvenger]

Was watching the dreadful batting display in highlights this morning, and I must say, the only silver lining with respect to batting on this whole tour has been Masakadza. He has looked good in every condition, and even yesterday, looked in prime touch before getting out. At least with him out there, you would feel that a big one is just around the corner. With others, unfortunately, you fell that a wicket or two are just round the corner for the opposition.

Win toss and bat first. Retain Maruma, axe Matsi for Coventry and bring Chibhabha for Vusi. dont allow to bat lamb before no. 9

Has Chibhabha been called in as a replacement? If so, its good to have him open with Mazza. Its high time Coventry gets a game, as we have nothing to lose anyway.

But I'm afraid we have just lost the momentum, and a 4-1 result with big losses to come is quite a possibility

[Tinashce Ruswa]

I reckon thats a highly stupid decision and poor composition. Why bowl first when you hav only spinners? Whats the fun in chasing when you have a shaky middle order

Hmm interesting indeed, do not know what being done in this respect but Dr_Situ put something out there, cricketing intelligence, are we utilising what we knw about the wicket, opponents etc to our advantage...Worked first two games but seems the WI used their heads and came out with counter plans..E.G we all KNOw Beavo hits inside out over cover, extra cover but last 10 overs know one in the deep till it was too late and we had leaked a couple of boundaries,a seamer moving it off the deck and we looking to run it down, when we was so successful hitting down the ground..

Think we need to get proper analytical and look at the sources of our brittleness, in our batting for they surely are not talent wise, I think its awareness, match awareness and realising which stage of the game you are at and what you are doing..how elese can I explain our routine collapses surely we can halt a collapse by showing applicability and occupation of the crease

Assume think tanks that be are looking at this..

COME ON LADS WE can push last two games and STILL win this...

[aydee]

I think some credit has to be given to the West Indian bowlers. Sibanda, Taibu & Maruma all got excellent deliveries, and Masakadza and Matsikenyeri were also undone by good bowling, although their shots weren't ideal. Top order batting has been the problem for a long time. There doesn't seem to be anyone capable of averaging above 30 against decent opposition for an extended period of time.