Where to now?

[eugene]

So after a demoralising series against India, what are people's thoughts about the players and selections?

I am not sure what my thoughts are, except to say that some new players deserve a shot such as PJ Moor and Richmond Mutumbami.

Here is my post-India XI (going for something a bit different here)

1. Brendan Taylor (he has a solid record as an opener and it is time for him to lead from the front)
2. PJ Moor (at worst he will score as many runs as our current openers)
3. Vusi Sibanda (he has the technique to bat at 3, does he have the temperament?)
4. Sean Williams (I feel Sean can succeed as any position in the middle order)
5. Hamilton Masakadza (last chance for Hammy in the middle order, I am very close to dropping him)
6. Elton Chigumbura (his bowling was ordinary but he was good with the bat against India)
7. Richmond Mutumbami (needs to be groomed as our next keeper)
8. Graeme Cremer (our best spinner)
9. Shingirai Masakadza (why wasn't he selected?)
10. Kyle Jarvis (our leading wicket taker against India despite only playing 3 matches)
11. Tendai Chatara (he has impressed me so far)

Reserves:
Sikandar Raza (could easily have him in ahead of Hammy, or continuing to open in place of Moor)
Malcolm Waller (despite a terrible series against India, he has been one of our better performers overs the last 18 months)
Prosper Utseya (occasionally does something decent)
Brian Vitori (he seems to be back on track after some time away)
Ed Rainsford (deserves another shot)

[AussieZimFan]

I'd like to see some new blood or players who haven't been given a chance for some time in the team instead of just giving the same players endless chances. They have no pressure on them to perform so see no need to. Guys like Moor, Kasuza, Coventry, Rainsford, Zimma

[jaybro]

Yeah some good ideas there Eugene I'm guessing that's a ODI team ....

I like Moor and Kasuza but I'm not usually keen on bringing in young batsman in I'd rather see them make at least 3000 1st class runs if not more before bringing them in to international cricket but with the cardboard bare ATM maybe it's time to give a youngster a go ......

But it really doesn't matter who you put in the boys need to be playing regularly even if its no against international teams A tours will help and when the boys go on tour they should play more 1st class games and less 15 a side give everyone ago matches ..... Playing overseas will give the boys valuable experience you can't get in the nets

[brmtaylor.com admin]

Tests:

1. Mawoyo
2. Sibanda
3. Masakadza
4. Taylor (c)
5. Williams
6. Chakabva/Mutumbami (wk)
7. Chigumbura
8. Cremer
9. Meth
10. Vitori
11. Jarvis

Not sure about ODIs yet.

[AussieZimFan]

How close are Mawoyo and Meth being to fully fit? Will they be good to go for the Pakistian tour?

[jaybro]

Hopefully Mawoyo is fit without him I can't see Zimbabwe competitive in tests

[Jemisi]

Test team - I am confident of them producing 275 runs per innings and 13.5 wickets per test.

Vusi
Tino
Hami
Taylor
Williams
Chigumbura
Mutumbami
Cremer
Meth
Shingi
Jarvis

[jaybro]

Is Chigs consistent enough to bat @6 in test ???

How bad is Mutizwa's keeping ??? He would be a great 6 or 7 in tests

How will Meth go if the ball ain't swinging ???

Surely after so many dismal series Ed Rainsford will get a recall although the batting has been more of a problem lately

[Jemisi]

I'd be happy for Rainsford over Meth. But he has been consistently ignored.

Mutizwa would be a good pick in form, but he has been struggling terribly.

Chigs or Richmond could swap. I'd have Ervine in the lineup if he was available. But I think Chigs at 6 is as good atm as Waller at 6.

[Leg-Glance]

I agree with most of what has been said above but feel Michael Chinouya needs to be given more chances. He is a quality bowler by the looks of it, or at least can be one with the right application and work ethic. He needs to be given an extended run in the team and that will only strengthen the bowling attack, the more experience he gets the better. If he improves his wrist position while bowling and adds a little bit more momentum in that run-up of his before bowling, he can really be an effective bowler. I would also want him to be tested in tournaments such as the BPL which would help his all-round cricketing development.