Team Selection...

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ZIMFAN
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Team Selection...

Post by ZIMFAN »

I know this is something of a hot potato but I was just wanting to follow up some things I saw in another thread - I beleive it was to do with the composite XI match and Sean Williams' (non) selection.

Is it true that there is a 3-8 selection imposed on the team. Even pre-rebellion Zim was not strong enough to impose parmeters on selection and it is certainly not now. I imagine it is very discouraging for the likes of Williams.

Also, and I agree with a post in zimcricket news about the pointless speculation of rebels return, but there was talk in the other thread about Streak's return. Does anyone have any firm input on this or is it just the dreaded grapevine??

A belated Happy Xmas to everyone.

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maehara
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Re: Team Selection...

Post by maehara »

ZIMFAN wrote:Is it true that there is a 3-8 selection imposed on the team. Even pre-rebellion Zim was not strong enough to impose parmeters on selection and it is certainly not now. I imagine it is very discouraging for the likes of Williams.
Officially, there's no quota, but it does appear that there's pressure on the selectors & coach behind the scenes to use a 3-8 split - which, given the players in & around the national side at the moment, would force the selection of a side somewhat weaker than it could be. There's no doubt that would be an issue for the white players who found themselves sidelined as a result - not just for the unfairness of it, but also for financial reasons. Cricketers are typically payed match fees for each match played - these guys will be having their earnings limited for no other reason than their skin colour, and that's not right in any book.
Also, and I agree with a post in zimcricket news about the pointless speculation of rebels return, but there was talk in the other thread about Streak's return. Does anyone have any firm input on this or is it just the dreaded grapevine??
It's the grapevine, and to be honest, given Streak's lack of match practice lately (I don't believe he's played competitively since he left Warwickshire), I don't know that his inclusion would be a good thing (especially if quotas are being applied). If he does want to be involved in Zim cricket again - and I genuinely hope he does - then, for now at least, it should probably be in a coaching role...

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Kopje
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Re: Team Selection...

Post by Kopje »

maehara wrote:It's the grapevine, and to be honest, given Streak's lack of match practice lately (I don't believe he's played competitively since he left Warwickshire), I don't know that his inclusion would be a good thing (especially if quotas are being applied). If he does want to be involved in Zim cricket again - and I genuinely hope he does - then, for now at least, it should probably be in a coaching role...

In an interview he said probably media work is what he would prefer at the moment, but i feel he would go into coaching, suppose boss Peter and Ozias get ousted for their dodgy accounts, it should also trigger a possible come back for other players.

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brmtaylor.com admin
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Re: Team Selection...

Post by brmtaylor.com admin »

If Streak does want to return in some capacity, I hope it is as a player. Even if it's as a specialist batsman, I think his biggest contributions to the team can be made on the field, showing the other guys what to do in unfamiliar situations.

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eugene
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Re: Team Selection...

Post by eugene »

Speaking of team selections, my current XI for Zimbabwe would be

1. Vusi Sibanda
2. Brendan Taylor
3. Chamu Chibhabha
4. Tatenda Taibu
5. Sean Williams
6. Elton Chigumbura
7. Stuart Matsikenyeri
8. Prosper Utseya
9. Ray Price
10. Gary Brent
11. Chris Mpofu

This is from the current squad of players that seem to be available for selection. Although that is a hard thing to keep up with these days!
Neil Johnson, Alistair Campbell, Murray Goodwin, Andy Flower (w), Grant Flower, Dave Houghton, Guy Whittall, Heath Streak (c), Andy Blignaut, Ray Price, Eddo Brandes

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brmtaylor.com admin
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Re: Team Selection...

Post by brmtaylor.com admin »

I'm wondering if it is time for a minor shake up in the team. I've been pondering how this team would do (for First Class matches, definitely not one dayers)

1. V Sibanda
2. B Taylor
3. T Taibu (wk)
4. P Utseya (c)
5. S Williams
6. H Masakadza
7. E Chigumbura
8. A Cremer
9. R Price
10. G Brent (vc)
11. C Mpofu

Masakadza opening doesn't work. From the limited television coverage we get to see of the team, he looks much more suited against an older ball. He does have a very good technique, so he has the talent to bat anywhere, but I think he can be more damaging down the order.

I would like to see Prosper Utseya develop into a true allrounder. I wouldn't want him to bat at 4 in a one-dayer, but in Tests I think he has the patience to play a good innings. He seems more likely to wait for the good balls rather than throw the bat at everything (which guys like Sibanda and Taylor have a tendency to do, which is great if it comes off, because as openers it gets the team off to a good start). I think it is not unrealistic to think that he could have a First Class average of 40 come the end of his career, provided he gets the opportunity to bat - much like Brad Hogg who has batted in the middle order for Western Australia and is now a fine batsman (his 79 against India yesterday anyone!?!).

It is time for Graeme Cremer to develop into the Test specialist we know he is. I don't think he will tear apart one-day lineups any time soon, but he has what it takes to do it at Test level. Much like Danish Kaneria. He is another bloke who possesses talent with the bat and could potentially be promoted as high as number 6.

Tatenda Taibu must bat at number 3. I really like Chibhabha in the position, but he was put there in the absence of Taibu during the 2006 WI series I think. If you look at other number 3's around the world - Ricky Ponting, Rahul Dravid, Mohammed Ashraful... they are the big name players. They are the guys who can really turn it on when the situation warrants it. I think if it's day 5 of a Test match and Zimbabwe need to chase down 350+ to win, opening with Vusi Sibanda, Brendan Taylor, Tatenda Taibu will give the team a better chance of winning.

Finally, the quick bowlers. Elton Chigumbura should open the bowling, supported by Chris Mpofu. Gary Brent is the first change bowler, and if you're desperate for more pace you could turn to Chibhabha. Most other teams have 3 quicks and a spinner. Looking at Australia, they have Lee, Johnson, Clark and Hogg. Zimbabwe's equivalent is Chigumbura, Mpofu, Brent and Utseya - Chigumbura's allround skills mean another spinner can come in (Cremer) and then you have Williams who is more than capable.

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eugene
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Re: Team Selection...

Post by eugene »

My possible Test line-up would be

1. Terry Duffin
2. Vusi Sibanda
3. Tatenda Taibu
4. Brendan Taylor
5. Sean Williams
6. Elton Chigumbura
7. Prosper Utseya
8. Gary Brent
9. Ray Price
10. Edward Rainsford
11. Chris Mpofu
Neil Johnson, Alistair Campbell, Murray Goodwin, Andy Flower (w), Grant Flower, Dave Houghton, Guy Whittall, Heath Streak (c), Andy Blignaut, Ray Price, Eddo Brandes

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