Match Thread: Zimbabwe "A" vs Canada 2nd OD (28th February)

[aydee]

And welch gone
War begins...

Hope the players don't take any notice.

This!!!

Utterly tedious and unedifying "debate" on both "sides". You hope the players see it for the unhelpful noise that it is, because otherwise it would be very difficult to look your teammates in the eye and get on with your job.

[Googly]

100%, I think there's a good vibe amongst the players though, but you also can't just ignore some of the selections, if there isn't some outside "noise" you're rubber stamping some equally tedious selections. Social media has its upside.

[TapsC2]

100%, I think there's a good vibe amongst the players though, but you also can't just ignore some of the selections, if there isn't some outside "noise" you're rubber stamping some equally tedious selections. Social media has its upside.

The truth is Naqvi is the only guy absolutely banging the door down to be selected and we all know the story there. The earlier people accept that, the better. It creates a nasty narrative and puts so much pressure on young players to perform.

Even if we are fair and look at Welch Jr's list A stats this season. They don't scream that he must be selected without fail. He isn't dominating in this specific format. They have picked him on potential too for this series. Let's let them play.

[aydee]

100%, I think there's a good vibe amongst the players though, but you also can't just ignore some of the selections, if there isn't some outside "noise" you're rubber stamping some equally tedious selections. Social media has its upside.

The truth is Naqvi is the only guy absolutely banging the door down to be selected and we all know the story there. The earlier people accept that, the better. It creates a nasty narrative and puts so much pressure on young players to perform.

Even if we are fair and look at Welch Jr's list A stats this season. They don't scream that he must be selected without fail. He isn't dominating in this specific format. They have picked him on potential too for this series. Let's let them play.

Entirely fair.

[Googly]

Not strictly true. MW is averaging 45 (somewhere there?) As an opener in red ball. The only other opener doing better is Curran.
The format is suddenly relevant when it never has been before I've seen players getting picked for T20 off a good red ball season (Campbell)

Comparing MW with Naqvi coming in at 4,5, or 6 is not a direct comparison is it? Let Knackers open and see how he does. That's where the gap is. Who's he replacing in our middle order? I'm very very curious about that.
The reality is that openers should be judged separately, it's the toughest spot to bat.
Go look at the leader board and tell me the openers higher up the list than MW. I've just looked myself.

They're suddenly claiming MW is not an opener, which he is, and he opened today I mean which is it?

[Googly]

Every one of these guys they like gets to bat from 4-7.
We're awash with middle order guys making runs. If they're that good let them work out themselves where the gap is and ask to bat there. Of course they won't.

Makoni is one of the few guys that fronts up, nobody likes the idea of opening.

[Googly]

Great 100 from Dion and a great partnership, pulled us right out of the shit. Well done lads.

[Googly]

Aydee, Taps .. I'm waiting to debate

[Googly]

A no show is as good as a win

[aydee]

Aydee, Taps .. I'm waiting to debate

Lollll.

Fine, I'll engage!

I really like Matt Welch. Was one of the better prospects in his U19 group and has taken well to professional cricket over the last two years. His numbers are solid, and very encouraging for a 21 year old, without (yet) being spectacular. Above this, he really does look a fantastic player when he's going well. Positive with a good range of shots. These last 2 sentences are subjective, of course. He hasn't opened much this year, largely at 3 or 4. Absolutely worth a go at A-team level. Not to the extent of having to play every game, and choosing what number he bats. Shame he didn't get any today.

Makoni has had a fantastic first class season opening the batting. Sufficiently strong that his selection for this series can be justified, especially seeing as he is one of not that many who always open up across formats. He is to some extent fortunate to get this opportunity though, as his List A stats are staggeringly bad, over a long period of time. He has done nothing in this series to suggest that his good red ball form will carry over any time soon. Frankly, you suspect he will never play international white ball cricket.