ZIM Test lineup going forward
Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2017 7:20 pm
Now with it being official that BRMT and KJ are back, ZIM are at full strenght. At the very least, they are as strong as ever before. After seasons of county experience these guys will be loads better than they were before and still have 4-6 years of prime years left.
Lets now discuss - for the first time in reality - what the squad should look like.
I think its noteworthy to mention that the new ICC rules which kick in from tomorrow stipulate that Test teams can now field 6 substitutes instead of the previously mandated 4. This means a Test squad can be expanded to 17 players. Here's my squad for the upcoming WI series with starting XI:
1. Hamilton Masakadza
2. Brian Chari
3. Craig Ervine
4. Brendon Taylor
5. Sikandar Raza
6. Sean Williams
7. Regis Chakabva (+)
8. Graeme Cremer (*)
9. Carl Mumba/Tendai Chisoro
10. Kyle Jarvis
11. Tendai Chatara
X. Tarisai Musakanda
X. Nathan Waller
X. Malcom Waller
X. PJ Moor
X. Shingi Masakadza
Chari's selection might raise some eyebrows, but I really think he has the ability to play the Mawoyo role. I think he has decent technique and his temperament is perfect for the see off the shine role perfectly. Yes, his record so far is poor, but he scored 80 against an attack featuring Herath, so I think he deserves to be given a long run to settle.
I wouldn't open with Raza unless absolutely necessary because his knock in SL proved that he is one of ZIM's better batsman, slips to 3rd now with BRMT back. Plus I would expect him to bowl a fair amount in SC conditions. 5 is an ideal spot for him.
Williams just edges out young Tari due to experience and also bowling ability. But he has got to start producing meaningful runs or else he sould make room for a guy with talent like Tari (who is unlucky to miss out on the XI as it is).
I can't believe people are not picking Mumba and picking Tiripano who wouldn't scare anyone even on a greentop. Yes DT bats superbly, but you need to do your best to form an attack capable of taking 20 wickets. And when you have guys available for the job, why would you pick the Donald?
Musakanda is the first name on the guys who don't make the XI. I think Nathan deserves a spot as a vital seam bowling all rounder. Malcolm is there for his experience and how many Zimmers can boast of a 40+ first class batting average? Moor is probably not ready but is a back-up WK and also can hit big down the order. Its Regis' job to lose, really, but I always had high hopes of Chakabva. Shingi is also a guy I really like. Lion hearted guy who just gives his all with both bat and ball. Too useful a player to be discarded as he has been. In fact, as a 3rd quick who bats, Shingi is a much better option than Tiripano. Not quite as good with the bat, but worlds better with the ball.
Chisoro gets picked because when touring the SC you will need a 2nd specialist spinner and at this stage neither Raza or Williams are quite consistent enough (though both have the potential) to fill the Shakib role of genuine spin all rounder.
Lets now discuss - for the first time in reality - what the squad should look like.
I think its noteworthy to mention that the new ICC rules which kick in from tomorrow stipulate that Test teams can now field 6 substitutes instead of the previously mandated 4. This means a Test squad can be expanded to 17 players. Here's my squad for the upcoming WI series with starting XI:
1. Hamilton Masakadza
2. Brian Chari
3. Craig Ervine
4. Brendon Taylor
5. Sikandar Raza
6. Sean Williams
7. Regis Chakabva (+)
8. Graeme Cremer (*)
9. Carl Mumba/Tendai Chisoro
10. Kyle Jarvis
11. Tendai Chatara
X. Tarisai Musakanda
X. Nathan Waller
X. Malcom Waller
X. PJ Moor
X. Shingi Masakadza
Chari's selection might raise some eyebrows, but I really think he has the ability to play the Mawoyo role. I think he has decent technique and his temperament is perfect for the see off the shine role perfectly. Yes, his record so far is poor, but he scored 80 against an attack featuring Herath, so I think he deserves to be given a long run to settle.
I wouldn't open with Raza unless absolutely necessary because his knock in SL proved that he is one of ZIM's better batsman, slips to 3rd now with BRMT back. Plus I would expect him to bowl a fair amount in SC conditions. 5 is an ideal spot for him.
Williams just edges out young Tari due to experience and also bowling ability. But he has got to start producing meaningful runs or else he sould make room for a guy with talent like Tari (who is unlucky to miss out on the XI as it is).
I can't believe people are not picking Mumba and picking Tiripano who wouldn't scare anyone even on a greentop. Yes DT bats superbly, but you need to do your best to form an attack capable of taking 20 wickets. And when you have guys available for the job, why would you pick the Donald?
Musakanda is the first name on the guys who don't make the XI. I think Nathan deserves a spot as a vital seam bowling all rounder. Malcolm is there for his experience and how many Zimmers can boast of a 40+ first class batting average? Moor is probably not ready but is a back-up WK and also can hit big down the order. Its Regis' job to lose, really, but I always had high hopes of Chakabva. Shingi is also a guy I really like. Lion hearted guy who just gives his all with both bat and ball. Too useful a player to be discarded as he has been. In fact, as a 3rd quick who bats, Shingi is a much better option than Tiripano. Not quite as good with the bat, but worlds better with the ball.
Chisoro gets picked because when touring the SC you will need a 2nd specialist spinner and at this stage neither Raza or Williams are quite consistent enough (though both have the potential) to fill the Shakib role of genuine spin all rounder.