Zimbabwe Training Squad for the 2 match test series against the Windies

[pariah]

More juicy bits about the 3 bowlers strategy (Mpofu, Jarvis and Cremer)...

The former Zimbabwe captain declared that his charges would go into the two five-dayers targeting victory

“Look we play to win, it’s certainly been my philosophy since I’ve come here,” Streak said in an interview yesterday.

“We’re not a team that is just happy to compete, we are looking to win the series and we will play to win both matches and I feel if we play to our strength we have a very good chance."

Craig blows hot and cold. I'm more concerned by what he's not saying. How is Taylor doing? How is Cremer doing? They're ZIM;s key players.

We’ve also had some positives from the bowlers; they’ve bowled well as a unit

They should have allowed Jarvis to play in the FC match. ZC had authority to force Rhinos to bat first so Jarvis had at least an extra day after arriving then be able to bowl the next day. I've seen this being done in ENG and AUS. Plus They could have allowed a substitute for the 3rd innings with Jarvis coming in to bowl. After all, Bruce it seems was not able to bowl.

The moment you say nothing about how Taylor, Cremer, Jarvis and Hami are performing that's a worry.

Clearly Mire is not doing well judging by the silence? And Chisoro the other so-so pick?

[sloandog]

So no Moor

[Googly]

Will Tino Best play? He’s a scary prospect. He may well be the fastest shortest bowler in the history of the game. I watched him last year and when he gets it right he’s terrifying.

[jaybro]

Going off the assumption that none of the players picked for Zim A will play in the First Test this looks like the lineup they’ll go with

Hami
Mire / Regis
BT
Ervine
Williams
Raza
Waller
Regis / Mire
Cremer
KJ
Mpofu

Not sure if they’ll open with Regis or Mire? Might open with both and push everyone down one spot.

[Andybligzz]

No test keeper should have to open it's insane , Regis should be number 6 0r 7 that is it ! Insanity expecting a bloke keeping sometimes for 2 days am, crouching down and mentally focusing non stop to have to come out and face fresh bowlers with a new pill doing plenty. Grinds my gears when I hear this , he's a solid batsman and has made runs down the order , don't change that and give him some confidence . He's the best option we have at the moment , allow the man to feel that. Confidence and faith does wonders to a man .

[Mr Twig]

Going off the assumption that none of the players picked for Zim A will play in the First Test this looks like the lineup they’ll go with

Hami
Mire / Regis
BT
Ervine
Williams
Raza
Waller
Regis / Mire
Cremer
KJ
Mpofu

Not sure if they’ll open with Regis or Mire? Might open with both and push everyone down one spot.

Is Mire really being considered?

The rest looks about right. I'd have Regis at 8 with another opener (Chamu/Tino/anyone else)? What is he status of Tino Mawoyo?

Burl the unlucky one unless he can open?

[jaybro]

I agree with Andybligzz & Mr Twig I wouldn’t have Mire or Regis opening, I’m just trying to piece the puzzle together

[Zero76]

I rate Mire highly, but getting him to open would be a mistake. Would rather see him in the middle order, being given full license to attack. Thats the way he has generally been used in Melbourne grade cricket.

[Black Mamba]

Zimbabwe Ranks 10 in Test & Windies Ranks 8. Difference between these two sides are less by small amount. Zimbabwe are now of full strength with return of Taylor & Jarvis. Batting looks strong and experienced.

Playing 3 specialist bowlers will be a biggest defensive plan as the opposition is not so strong side, its the perfect time to think positive to go with 4 bowlers. Jarvis, Mpofu with pace. Cremer & Chisoro both can bat. Raza, Waller or Williams should come as a supporting act, options will definately give Zimbabwe the edge.

Giving oportunity to Mire or Chibhabha is a good decision, but Windies are very much strong facing pacers, their records against the spinners has been bad, even Moeen Ali provide them more trouble, then Anderson or Broad in the last tour. Yasir Shah, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Ashwin, Jadeja, Mishra had success against windies in recent tour.

Bulawayo is a slow track, positive thinking is expected from Zimbabwe here.

R Chakabva ( wk)
H Masakadza
C Ervine
B Taylor
S Williams
S Raza
M Waller
G Cremer
T Chisoro
C Mpofu
K Jarvis

Definately!!! Wants to Win instead of being playing with negetive set up against the number 8th test side.

[tawac]

No test keeper should have to open it's insane , Regis should be number 6 0r 7 that is it ! Insanity expecting a bloke keeping sometimes for 2 days am, crouching down and mentally focusing non stop to have to come out and face fresh bowlers with a new pill doing plenty. Grinds my gears when I hear this , he's a solid batsman and has made runs down the order , don't change that and give him some confidence . He's the best option we have at the moment , allow the man to feel that. Confidence and faith does wonders to a man .

Very true. If Chakabva is keeping he shouldn't open the batting. Someone else in the team must take the mantle even Raza can open.