Post Big 4 era
Posted: Thu Sep 16, 2021 8:39 am
With the news BT has retired, Willy & Raza close to pulling the pin as well, it’s clear that the ‘Post Big 4 era’ is not too far away. BT, Willo & Ervine are the last players from that special group of U19 players (2002-2006) that have served Zimbabwe for the best part of two decades.
What does the future look like? The U19’s have been bitterly disappointing ever since, and the Zimbabwe cricket pathways system has only produced two international hundreds since then (Regis Test ton v BD in 2014 & Mire ODI ton v SL in 2017). That’s a very concerning stat!
Luckily the last edition of the U19s did produce four really good youngsters, who will be relied on to take up the baton from the Big 4. Whilst Wes Madhevere & Milton Shumba are straight swaps for Raza & Willy as middle order batsman with finger spin bowling. Myers & Marumani will have to replace the runs of BT & Ervine, which will be difficult at such a young age imo.
Of course there will be a new ‘senior group’ of players in Regis, Burl, Tari & possibly PJ Moor, but none of those guys look like they’ll be able to average over 30 in any format. Burl & Tari have been the biggest disappointments, they’ve never been able to kick on and become regular players for the National Side, despite debuting 5 years ago they’re still searching for the right formula on the international stage.
Even with those 8 players, there’s not enough quality or quantity to consistently score enough runs to replace the Big 4. ZC really needs to attempt to bring some guys back from overseas, obviously Tawanda Muyeye is the prized target, but he’s only just started off his quest to play for England.
But there are other players who have tried their luck abroad and don’t seem to be getting anywhere, the likes of Murray, Welch,
Jayden Schadendorf and yes even Eddie Byrom should be approached to see if they’d be interested in returning, because without them I fear for Zimbabwe in he Post Big 4 era
What does the future look like? The U19’s have been bitterly disappointing ever since, and the Zimbabwe cricket pathways system has only produced two international hundreds since then (Regis Test ton v BD in 2014 & Mire ODI ton v SL in 2017). That’s a very concerning stat!
Luckily the last edition of the U19s did produce four really good youngsters, who will be relied on to take up the baton from the Big 4. Whilst Wes Madhevere & Milton Shumba are straight swaps for Raza & Willy as middle order batsman with finger spin bowling. Myers & Marumani will have to replace the runs of BT & Ervine, which will be difficult at such a young age imo.
Of course there will be a new ‘senior group’ of players in Regis, Burl, Tari & possibly PJ Moor, but none of those guys look like they’ll be able to average over 30 in any format. Burl & Tari have been the biggest disappointments, they’ve never been able to kick on and become regular players for the National Side, despite debuting 5 years ago they’re still searching for the right formula on the international stage.
Even with those 8 players, there’s not enough quality or quantity to consistently score enough runs to replace the Big 4. ZC really needs to attempt to bring some guys back from overseas, obviously Tawanda Muyeye is the prized target, but he’s only just started off his quest to play for England.
But there are other players who have tried their luck abroad and don’t seem to be getting anywhere, the likes of Murray, Welch,
Jayden Schadendorf and yes even Eddie Byrom should be approached to see if they’d be interested in returning, because without them I fear for Zimbabwe in he Post Big 4 era