Test XI for New Zealand right now

[brmtaylor.com admin]

We don't often have team lineup threads so I thought I'd make a topic where we can share what we would like our first eleven to be.

What would your Test eleven be for the tour of New Zealand?

1. T Mawoyo
2. V Sibanda
3. H Masakadza
4. B Taylor (c)
5. T Taibu (wk)
6. M Waller
7. E Chigumbura
8. R Price
9. B Vitori
10. K Jarvis
11. C Mpofu

I've heard mixed responses about Napier... it used to be common to play two spinners there but now it's more for seamers?
I'm pretty satisfied with that above eleven except for Chigumbura.

If we want to strengthen the batting while retaining a bowling option I'd like to see Greg Lamb return if fit and if he's had some match practice under his belt. If we want to strengthen the bowling while retaining a batting option then I'd have no hesitation in bringing Graeme Cremer in. He is the future of Zimbabwe spin bowling after Price and I think if the two of them get to bowl in tandem in a Test match that can only be a good thing. I don't think Cremer is a Test number seven, but Price isn't really a Test number eight so you have to make do with what you've got. I think Cremer can at least offer as much with the bat as Chigumbura and I think Cremer is capable of having a Test batting average of 20 by the end of his career - ie. like Brett Lee.

I haven't forgotten about Utseya - he'd be a good inclusion too, but I think a legspinner is going to assist the balance of the bowling attack more than an offspinner especially when Utseya is not a renowned turner of the ball. Despite what the commentators from the subcontinent say, Cremer does get good turn. And Waller provides a decent offspin option too.

[hhm]

I also suspect that'll be the Test XI, to lead us to our first Test(loss) on tour since resumption.

Definite 'NO' as far as Lamb is concerned. Matsi&Ewing(despite not bowling much lately) are far better options if you want to strengthen the batting while retaining a bowling option, plus they can prostitute themselves equally well to get the wickets - they've done ok whenever they've bowled partime for us across formats. As part-timers, both are superior to Waller I must add. Lamb has had plenty of ODI innings in the last two years, and due to our regular collapses, has come in when the situation meant he has time to build his innings but played rubbish. Despite fortuitous wickets he was way too poor against Pakistan - I don't but into the 'trying to get wickets' theory. The most inept 28 overs ofspin bowling I've ever witnessed at Test level, plain and simple! His effort with the bat was commendable in that Pak Test though. I'd be happy if that was his last Test for Zim. Anyway, he lacks match practice, thankfully, so he's out!

[takleg]

Mawoyo
Vusi
Hami
Taylor(c)
Taibu(wk)
Waller
Ervine
Price
Vitori
KJ
Mpofu(Meth comes in at 8 if Mpofu is not fit)

After the Kiwis' success against the Aussies on a pitch that offered a lot to the seam/swing, I foresee a green top and a four man seam attack for NZ. If so, we will need an extra batter so Craig comes in.

In seam/swing friendly conditions, it might not be a bad idea to bring Meth for Price and go all out pace.

[takleg]

...and I just realised Napier is dead flat and more of a bowler's graveyard(from recent matches). So my line up changes and I'd go with BRMT's line up.

[masombocricketfan]

Who would have thought Philander would played ahead of Tsotsobe? Well it seems to be working for S.A and the secret to theis success is simple, just select players who are perfoming well in their Franchises. I would like to see the same happen to us(Zim). Players like Matsi,Meth,Querll, Duffin, Ewing etc should at least be given chances, with what they have shown this season they are in better form than some of our regulars. My team:-
1.Mawoyo
2.Sibanda(if not available-Duffin)
3.Taylor
4.Taibu
5.Ervine
6.Waller
7.Chigumbura/Meth
8.Price
9.Vitori
10.Javis
11.Querll

[betterdays]

Yes, probably BRMT's list (or, as someone said, Cremer for Chigumbura if it's not going to work for pace ... or if Mpofu is injured then neither Cremer or Meth, depending on the wicket) - for Zim selectors anyway.

No place for Forster and Meth in your performers masambo?? has Ervine been performing better than Forster? Anyway, Philander had two good seasons so has to be Meth for Querl ... if you're considering that path.

[FlowerPower]

The top 6 is pretty decided

1. Mawoyo
2. Sibanda
3. Masakadza
4. Taylor
5. Taibu
6. Waller

Test number 7 for me is a batsman and convenctionally your keeper. We hardly have the luxury of having one less batsmab. But since Taibu is at 5 then 7 is open. For me Chigs if in the wilderness with the bat and his best bet is in as a bowler. ODI is a different story and Chigs is first on the list. Allrounders are in on the stregth of batting or bowling not a bit of both ( eg Watson Kallis for their batting, Johnson for his bowling) the other talent is a bonus. Hence my contenders are Ervine and Mutizwa. Based on current form long term form....whatever form Mutizwa deserves his chance.

7. Mutizwa

8. Jarvis
9. Vitori
10. Price
11. Mpofu

12.Meth

If Mpofu is struggling for fitness the Meth in...nothing against Querl but his turn will come.

[Boundary]

Who would have thought Philander would played ahead of Tsotsobe? Well it seems to be working for S.A and the secret to theis success is simple, just select players who are perfoming well in their Franchises. I would like to see the same happen to us(Zim). Players like Matsi,Meth,Querll, Duffin, Ewing etc should at least be given chances, with what they have shown this season they are in better form than some of our regulars. My team:-
1.Mawoyo
2.Sibanda(if not available-Duffin)
3.Taylor
4.Taibu
5.Ervine
6.Waller
7.Chigumbura/Meth
8.Price
9.Vitori
10.Javis
11.Querll

My team exactly because of 3 factors:
1. Masakadza is struggling, so let him gain his confidence in the Logan Cup, he will certainly struggle against a competent (but not deadly) seam attack in their home turf. He can play the one day stuff though.

2. I really like BOTH Waller and C. Ervine in the same team, especially that Masakadza makes way, so no undue unbalancing of the team. These guys are the middle order for the foreseeable time and making them fight for one spot seems to be a waste.

3. As everyone now knows, I'm taking a shine to a Jarvis/Vitori/Querl attack and since Mpofu is still injured a month before the Test, I don't see why we should risk it. Querl is on fire (at least in four day cricket); I'd like to see Vitori away from Queens (even though the pitches have a similar reputation); and Jarvis is a natural pick.

I am still concerned by the long tail that was a sore point during the NZ tour of Zim, I'm concerned by the relative inexperience of the team but I still maintain that this point is often overplayed, I'm also slightly concerned by the spin options aside from Price (who stays in with my full confidence) and finally I'm concerned by my indecision of the Meth/Chigs conundrum. However, overall this is my team of the moment.

[betterdays]

and finally I'm concerned by my indecision of the Meth/Chigs conundrum.

I think it's slowly emerging that Meth is not an allrounder giving Elton a further chance - please, please may he repay the faith!!

Meth should be given Mpofu's spot if Mpofu is not fit.

[FlowerPower]

and finally I'm concerned by my indecision of the Meth/Chigs conundrum.

I think it's slowly emerging that Meth is not an allrounder giving Elton a further chance - please, please may he repay the faith!!

Meth should be given Mpofu's spot if Mpofu is not fit.

For me that's the wrong question altogether, if we are talking Test. In Test the notion of an allrounder is a luxury which is a bonus if it exists, otherwise it's 6 batsmen and 4 bowlers and a wicketkeeper who should bat. So this Meth or Chigs debate should not even be a debate. Neither is a test number 7 (batsman) at the moment. for me the number 7 spot is between Ervine and Mutizwa with the latter getting my vote. Chigs and Meth would be vying for the Mpofu spot if it were available. Meth getting my vote and Chigs behind Querl, Shingi in that queue. However ODI is a different story, an all rounder at 7 is priceless and currently despite the none existent batting Chigs is our best option.