Grant Flower denied entry into SA

[CrimsonAvenger]

http://af.reuters.com/article/sportsNew ... D320101004

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Zimbabwe batting coach Grant Flower was denied permission to leave Harare airport on Monday because of paperwork problems as the team travelled to neighbours South Africa for a short tour.

"We are hoping to resolve the matter in the next 24 hours," Zimbabwe team manager Lovemore Banda told Reuters.

"Grant Flower had to travel on a temporary document because his passport is still in the embassy in London waiting for a visa application.

"Those temporary documents are usually accepted all over the world, but South Africa have recently changed their rules due to all their immigration problems."

Flower, the 39-year-old younger brother of England coach Andy, is set to combine his role as batting coach with making a playing return for Zimbabwe, six years after he last played international cricket.

Flower, who has featured in 67 tests and 219 one-day internationals, was one of the key figures in the exodus of senior players from the national team in 2004 after Heath Streak was removed from the captaincy. Fast bowler Streak is the current bowling coach.

"Having some experience around is vital as we make our way back into international cricket and head towards test cricket, and there's no doubt Grant still has what it takes," chief selector Alistair Campbell said.

"We're very excited about having him back in the team. He is still as fit as a 21-year-old, and had a brilliant season for Essex in the one-day game. We cannot wait to build a few innings around him and learn from all the experience he has. We are all hoping he will make a big difference to the stability of our batting," captain Elton Chigumbura said on Monday upon the team's arrival in Johannesburg.

The short tour begins with Twenty20 games in Bloemfontein and Kimberley on Friday and Sunday, followed by three one-day internationals.

[sloandog]

Hmmmmm, is he going to make the tour for Friday ?? :/ ugh all this hassle over a passport

[CrimsonAvenger]

He seems to have made it before the first match is played...

http://www.newsday.co.zw/article/2010-1 ... uth-africa

Grant Flower was expected to leave for South Africa on Tuesday evening after he failed to travel with the rest of the national cricket team on Monday following complications with his travel documents.

In an interview with NewsDay on Tuesday, the chairman of selectors Alistair Campbell said the 39-year-old left-handed batsman and handy spinner would be in South Africa before the first game on Friday.

“I can confirm that the situation has been rectified and Grant (Flower) will be aboard tonight’s (Tuesday evening) flight for South Africa, Campbell said.”

“His presence in the team is going to be very important both as the batting coach and as one of the batsmen because of the experience he has at the international stage.”

Flower, who is making a comeback to the national team after a six-year absence is on course to become the only survivor from the 1999 squad that inflicted a shock defeat on South Africa in a Super Six match at the World Cup in England.

“His knowledge about their play is going to be important.

He is the only survivor from the 1999 team that secured that famous win at the World Cup.

“His work ethic and form has been very good and he’s coming from a good season with Essex.

We just hope the rest of the team especially the batting line-up, will benefit from his presence.

[sloandog]

Excellent news. I'm looking forward to seeing how he copes against the pace of Steyn and Morkel. Should be a good contest

[Flower power]

Excellent news. I'm looking forward to seeing how he copes against the pace of Steyn and Morkel. Should be a good contest

I think the Steyns are really quick . I will be watching eagerly too.

[sloandog]

Excellent news. I'm looking forward to seeing how he copes against the pace of Steyn and Morkel. Should be a good contest

I think the Steyns are really quick . I will be watching eagerly too.

In all honesty guys i never saw Grant Flower play for Zimbabwe It was never telivised and when i did see him play in the VB series of 2004, he got out for a first ball duck. What's he actually like against the quicker bowlers ??
When i saw him play against Lancashire this year in the pro 40, he looked like he played spin well, aswell as dominate the quicker bowlers.