Who should be in the Intercontinental Cup Zimbabwe A squad?

[brmtaylor.com admin]

Following on from viewtopic.php?f=3&t=665&p=7172#p7172 and viewtopic.php?f=3&t=664

Let's say Zimbabwe A's first fixture was against Ireland (the strongest of the associates in First Class cricket) and there are no Zimbabwe international matches on at the time. Who should make the 13 man squad? For the hell of it, let's say it's played on Irish soil.

1. Mark Vermeulen
2. Stuart Matsikenyeri
3. Chamu Chibhabha (c)
4. Regis Chakabva
5. Forster Mutizwa
6. Charles Coventry (wk)
7. Graeme Cremer
8. Timycen Maruma
9. Shingirai Masakadza
10. Admire Manyumwa
11. Chris Mpofu

12. Steven Nyamuzinga
13. Taurai Muzarabani



I initially had Coventry opening with Vermeulen. After thinking about it, it is probably better to separate them. Think of it as "insurance" - Vermeulen, Mutizwa and Coventry are the best batsmen in that team. It would spell disaster if heaven forbid, Vermeulen and Coventry both departed early. At least with Coventry and Mutizwa in the middle order they could at best build on a large score, or at worst mount a recovery operation.

Matsikenyeri isn't good enough for number 3, so he can open. Chibhabha at number 3 seems fair enough - remember, for a long time he was our ODI number 3 and didn't do too much wrong!

Chakabva at 4 is reasonable, then the combination of Mutizwa and Coventry as mentioned above. Graeme Cremer at number 7. Obviously if there are international commitments for the national team, Cremer should not be playing for Zimbabwe A. But if there are no international commitments it seems like a good idea to include him, as the next best legspinner is the inexperienced Mushangwe (far too early for him to be playing for Zim A). He strengthens Zimbabwe A immensely, and between himself and Maruma can apply the brakes to an innings. Adds depth to the batting as well. If there were international commitments, then he would probably have to be replaced by Dabengwa. We know Dabengwa isn't as good a bowler as Cremer, and we know Dabengwa isn't as good a batsman as Cremer... but being a left-arm orthodox (spinning away from the right hander) he is the only reasonable replacement.

Maruma of course makes the team. Probably a case for giving him the captaincy! But this is quite an important tournament, so Chibhabha is probably a better and more experienced choice.

S Masakadza, Manyumwa and Mpofu can make up the pace bowling unit. Masakadza and Manyumwa select themselves pretty much, but the other spot is between Mpofu and Mupariwa. You probably have to go with Mpofu, because he has that extra pace. It adds a bit more variety to the team - if they were after a bit of medium pace they could throw the ball to Chibhabha.

Nyamuzinga and Muzarabani can be the other squad members. For no real reason other than to give them tour experience, and that they could step in at the last minute if there was an injury.

[jimbo]

I do think that zimbabwe should infuse some of their more experienced players in the one day set up with the newer players, My line up would be

1.) Chapunga
2.) Mlambo
3.) Vermuelan
4.) Matsikenyeri
5.) Chakabva ( Wk)
6.) Coventry
7.) Maruma
8.) Garwe
9.) Kamumgozi
10) S Masacadza
11) rainsford

[Detective RDS]

ZIMBABWE 'A'

My line up will be:

1. Mark Vermeulen
2. Justice Chibhabha
3. Regis Chakabva
4. Malcolm Waller
5. Forster Mutizwa (WK)
6. Charles Coventry
7. Keith Dabengwa (C)
8. Timycen Maruma
9. Trevor Garwe
10. Admire Manyumwa
11. Shingirai Masakadza

12. Stephen Nyamuzinga
13. Brighton Mugochi
14. Taurai Muzarabani

I will bring back Malcolm Waller in to give him more experience in overseas pitch. It will be an examination for all the batsman to manage a place in the national side. I have made Keith Dabengwa, the captain and infact this will be an opportunity for all the players to force themselves making the national squad.