The John Ward column

[eugene]

John had the following to say about yesterday's victory:

"To get the bad news over with first, it must be said that this was one of Zimbabwe’s worst catching displays, with four catches, most of them pretty straightforward, and one stumping being missed in the Pakistani innings. Apart from that, the batting and bowling together added to perhaps the team’s best performance for many years. The seamers did a superb job, led by Panyangara and closely followed by Chatara. The batsmen played superbly, especially in overcoming their previous problems against spin, and at least Maruma had the good sense virtually to throw his wicket away when he found he could not maintain the required run rate. Williams, who should have come in before him (as should Waller also in this situation), was magnificent, taking charge right from the start and showing outstanding skill and temperament. He may even become Zimbabwe’s leading batsman in the next year or two – unless some selfish county offers him a lucrative contract to defect.

Pakistan did not play particularly badly, although they will regret not having pushed the score along more quickly in the first half of their innings, and then Misbah did an outstanding job as the middle order crumbled around him. Junaid proved a weak link in their bowling, but the others generally bowled well. But (fielding apart) the real Zimbabwe stood up today. Nobody should question the fact that Zimbabwe CAN play up to the standard of the big eight in world cricket, even without Jarvis, Ballance, two Ervines and others. The question is rather why they do it so rarely. When will they do it again? They must beware of a limp performance in tomorrow’s match, as has happened before as a reaction to a good match, for example the Test victory over Bangladesh."

[betterdays]

Nobody should question the fact that Zimbabwe CAN play up to the standard of the big eight in world cricket, even without Jarvis, Ballance, two Ervines and others. The question is rather why they do it so rarely. When will they do it again? ."

I always liked John Ward (probably because, for the most part, I agreed with him ) ... does he have an answer to those two (well, they're sort of the same) question(s)?
There have been a few articles about this recently and for me, Streak's comments in the "it's not money but hard work...[sik]" one also mirrored my general view, which is vaguely that people want to feel respected, valued and a sense of self-worth (ZC appears to offer none - though peers, public, family ...can fill those holes some) ... if they feel they have that, they have the best possible platform to work from going forward - remove that, and learn to live with expecting little more than glimpses of what the potential could be.

[Jemisi]

Some respect would be great.

[jaybro]

Haha even John Ward thinks Maruma done us a favour by getting himself out ....

Can we see what John thinks about man of the moment Sean Williams ???

[ZIMDOGGY]

^well he did mention in that article that he hopes sean will stay and be the mainstay of our batting for a while to come.

seems that John is unaware of seans intentions

[jimbo]

Williams is a very fickle man and has left zim in the lurch a few times over the years. This would be the fourth time he has defected if he leaves. I would offer him a triple a central contract because he is the real deal. Sick of these counties pimping our best players

[betterdays]

^well he did mention in that article that he hopes sean will stay and be the mainstay of our batting for a while to come.
seems that John is unaware of seans intentions

I think we have all known his intentions all along ... but, like John, we hope (actually I don't even go that far - I'm simply enjoying his last throes)!

[eugene]

I asked John about Keegan Meth, his reply was:

"Nobody I’ve spoken to who should know knows anything about Keegan Meth giving up cricket."

[Jemisi]

that is hopeful

[eugene]

That being said, no one confirmed Meth was definitely staying, it was more a case that no one had heard anything.