a capable middle-order batsman and useful legspinner, albeit one who does not give the ball a real rip, who produced some promising performances at the Under-19 World Cup in Sri Lanka. He rescued Zimbabwe against Nepal with a battling 74, while his bowling was a key factor in the win over England. He was thrust into the full Zimbabwe one-day squad for the series against Kenya with just one match at first-class level behind him. Despite his inexperience, he bowled well, even being used during the Powerplays at times. He embarked on a big learning curve in the West Indies, where he was unable to find much turn in the pitches, but showed a good attitude. He is an attacking spinner who has developed the googly, and also has the potential to contribute with the bat, where he has the virtue of playing straight. He was plucked out of school to begin his international career.
Keegan Meth :
A useful all round player, who bowls at a lively pace, swinging the ball either way, Meth was forced to rise rapidly through the ranks because of Zimbabwe's shortage of options and he suffered as a result. He was discarded after the 2006 tour of the Caribbean and while he remained on the fringes, he has not been able to advance his claims and has moved to South Africa to try to move his career on. He is a sound batsman who improvises well and thus shows good all-round potential. A very good hockey player, he has an excellent eye for the ball.
Anthony Ireland :
a tall allrounder from the Midlands area of Zimbabwe, a promising seam bowler who is also a useful batsman capable of playing telling aggressive innings. Underestimated at times, he decided to improve his game in club cricket in England, and after the player rebellion of 2004 was given more opportunities to perform in Logan Cup cricket, even to the extent of being included in the national team squad the following year. He struggled on his first tour, to West Indies, breaking his left hand in practice at the start of the programme. When recovered, he struggled with his length and tended to bowl too short, which proved fatal against batsmen as adept with the pull as most West Indians. He secured a more regular place at the end of 2006 and was included in Zimbabwe's World Cup squad, although he made only one appearance. He retired from international cricket on the team's return home, and soon after signed a two-year deal with Gloucestershire. He is a hard-working player with a good attitude and keeps himself very fit.
Tinashe Panyangara :
a tall allrounder who first came to attention on the world stage with a remarkable bowling performance of 6 for 31 that sent the Australians tumbling to a shock defeat at the hands of Zimbabwe during the Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh in 2003-04. Panyangara's family lives in Marondera, a country town about 45 miles south-east of Harare. He learned his cricket at the local primary school - Godfrey Huggins - and was a boarder at Churchill High School in Harare. His allround performances attracted the attention of Takashinga Sports Club, and he was playing for their first team while in Form Four. He won selection for the national Under-19 side in 2003 for the first time. He is tall with a smooth bowling action and is noted for his accuracy, and opens the batting for Takashinga. Panyangara had hoped to spend this and next year gaining his A-levels before becoming a professional cricketer, but instead found himself opening the bowling for the national side after the sacking of the 15 rebel players. Early in 2005 he developed a stress fracture in the back, causing him to miss a year of cricket. It is hoped he will return soon, as with his all-round talents he is viewed as a vital part of Zimbabwe's cricketing future. A passionate player, his transparent delight at success on the field is a welcome change from the often stereotyped celebrations of many other international players.
Lets hope that the new franchise system brings back some of these players. I could have spoken about the ervine's and the Marrilair's, but i wanted 2 focus on the players that have recently left. I feel that if these four return, zimbabwe could have an even better team. Fingers crossed hey
