Gary ballance bombshell switch

[Donald]

Im very happy that Ballance has signed a two year contract and this also shows goodwill that Houghton has brought as well as more financial stability we have nowadays.

Still would like either one of Welch or Byrom to join us too. It was nice for Welch to get a hundred recently in the four day game. It shows he is much more than a white ball player.
Still keen for Dion Myers to come back. He was the really talented one in the under 19s. Maybe more so than madhevere and Marumani

[tej_27]

Only person who could probably have some problem with his racist or dodgy background is sikandar Raza cause he too belongs from the same ethnicity as rafique

[Googly]

Welch being viewed as only a white ball player is just Leicestershire's misconception of him. What he's probably not is a red ball opener and thats where he's been forced to play for many years. Their reluctance to change a losing team has left a lot of people scratching their heads. If they'd given NW the extended opportunities others have had he'd be up and running. They've got a couple of players in that side that will never win you a game. They have a patient board After 2 years NW still doesn't know if he can play at this level because he simply hasn't had the exposure.
Guys he played with at school and Surrey are on 3000 fc runs, firmly established and some are playing internationally. He's been very poorly treated in fact.

I think Myers has missed the window to be able to learn on the international stage. Madhevere and Shumba have had the opportunity, but with the inclusion of Ballance batters will now have to succeed domestically, as it should be.

[Googly]

Only person who could probably have some problem with his racist or dodgy background is sikandar Raza cause he too belongs from the same ethnicity as rafique

It's hardly a racist or dodgy background
It's all been discussed before, but Ballance as a fact was a scapegoat. Not squeaky clean, but caught up in a poor culture there that many big names miraculously dodged.
Raza is a great bloke, I'm sure it will be an easy conversation.

[tej_27]

Only person who could probably have some problem with his racist or dodgy background is sikandar Raza cause he too belongs from the same ethnicity as rafique

It's hardly a racist or dodgy background
It's all been discussed before, but Ballance as a fact was a scapegoat. Not squeaky clean, but caught up in a poor culture there that many big names miraculously dodged.
Raza is a great bloke, I'm sure it will be an easy conversation.

Yes I agree he was made a scapegoat but i think any person who would or should feel a little uncomfortable is Raza ..rest should welcome him ..guy has a massive list A and First class average.

[sscricket]

Ballance was harshly treated by England and even more so by Yorkshire. Was as good as root in the longer formats and even better in t20 format.he is few notches above raza and Williams in current form easy. I am hoping rest of the batters will back him up to see an upset or two...

[secretzimbo]

Absolutely massive news. I'm travelling from Sunday but tempted to get down to HSC on Saturday to watch if he is making his debut.

Cricinfo has it down as Mutare ffs

[Donald]

Great to have Ballance back

[sloandog]

Unreal news this. Seeing Ballance with Zimbabwe plastered across his chest is going to look incredible.
I honestly can't wait to see this. I'll be the first to admit I was wrong in ever thinking he'd come back.
Now we need to have a look at Myers or Melton. He's the low hanging fruit I reckon.
Welch is closer to to playing for Zimbabwe than Byrom. Having said that, Byrom and Curran have both been training at the performance centre all week with Dave Houghton and Gary Brent. Really is great just to have them out there and having conversations with those who could twist their arm to come and play in the future.

Byrom is probably holding out hope for an England Lions gig. Welch would be an absolute gun to be added to this side

[Detective RDS]

Absolutely huge news !

Massive signing by ZC ! Job very well done !

Want to see Gary Ballance in Zimbabwe Colors as early as January 12 in the 1st T20I vs Ireland. Will be more than willing to take one day leave from my Office to watch him bat that day !