South africa Tour of Zimbabwe | Test Series | 28 June - 10 July 2025

[zimfan1]

I got a clip of Welch's dismissal because he claimed he was not out and would have reviewed it. I went frame by frame. It hit his bottom hand which he'd just taken off the bat. Another great umpiring decision.
His future selection was probably riding on that.

He is not a test number 3. Hands are way too hard and he follows the ball with them.

I assume he will get the second test but needs a score, just like Wes, Tisga, Kataino and Prince.

[Googly]

He does neither of those

[Googly]

Hes got a couple of glitches, as do most, but he has soft hands, plays late and holds his line. 3 vital ingredients.

[zimfan1]

Hes got a couple of glitches, as do most, but he has soft hands, plays late and holds his line. 3 vital ingredients.

Disagree, I know you have watched him loads but in the test matches he has played his hands have been hard. Part of the reason he got cramp in Bangladesh, gripping the bat far too hard.

Could be nerves to be fair.

He is playing the wrong format, far more comfortable in the white ball stuff but feel he is a way from selection there.

[Googly]

You can grip the bat hard om set up and still play with soft hands.
My theory of the cramps is he spins his bat really hard nearly every delivery. That's way harder on your forearms than a tight grip.

[Andy31]

I think you keep Welch and Wes in for the next test. The fact is we need players to take over the big 3. These blokes are in their 20s we need games into them. We need another pace bowler for the next test.

I know we cant change DRS but surely you could have a system were umpires can review things like the welch one. If a simple TV reply can show someone missed the ball then allow that.

[AussieZimFan]

Bennett
Welch (last chance)
Myers
Williams
Ervine
Madande
Tsiga
Matigimu
Masakadza
Muzarabani
Chivanga
Madhevere

[zimbos_05]

Bennett
Welch (last chance)
Myers
Williams
Ervine
Madande
Tsiga
Matigimu
Masakadza
Muzarabani
Chivanga
Madhevere

Why is it Welch's last chance but Madhevere? Wes's stats in Tests are bad. Welch has had 4 tests only, so why is he being thrown to the wolves. He also did not play against England, so it's not like he came into the match with practice up his sleeve. Of the last 4 tests, Wes's highest score is 31 in 8 innings. Welch's is 54. Not saying Welch is doing much better or smashing it, but why do guys like Wes seemingly have infinite lifelines, but Welch is very limited.

[zimbos_05]

Bennett
Welch (last chance)
Myers
Williams
Ervine
Madande
Tsiga
Matigimu
Masakadza
Muzarabani
Chivanga
Madhevere

Why is it Welch's last chance but Madhevere? Wes's stats in Tests are bad. Welch has had 4 tests only, so why is he being thrown to the wolves. He also did not play against England, so it's not like he came into the match with practice up his sleeve. Of the last 4 tests, Wes's highest score is 31 in 8 innings. Welch's is 54. Not saying Welch is doing much better or smashing it, but why do guys like Wes seemingly have infinite lifelines, but Welch is very limited.

Even Wellington. Talking after the match like he did something amazing. That's the mentality issue I am talking about. He scored 57 and carried on like he played a match winning innings. No. You did ok, but it was not an innings of note.

[Googly]

They bat in different positions. 1-3 is particularly tough.
Welch would be better at 5, but obviously he has not earned that right.
It would not be correct to drop him based off a poor umpiring decision. I believe he's netting beautifully, not that that means anything if you cant take it to the middle.
If Bennett doesnt play next game there is really no-one else unless you put Prince or Dion in at 3. Both decent players..who knows what they'll do.