ESPNCRICINFO reports that Gary Ballance has retired from all cricket - does anybody know details, what happened ?

[jontym87]

Ya I agree, Madande has done well and the last thing we need is another 37 year old tbh. Also he’s been playing sub-district cricket in Australia so not even the highest level.

Sounds like he is definitely making a reappearance this winter though. I’ve always been a fan and his century against Bangladesh last year was fabulous. But it feels like we should move on now

Unpopular opinion that 'sub district' cricket in Australia is competitive than First Class or List A in Zimbabwe. That's why ZC didnt even bother forcing Gazza to play any matches before being selected in the national team, it wasnt worth it

It varies by league, but generally I'd disagree.

First Class cricket in Zimbabwe is overrated the standards are so low. See the performances against county sides during pre-season that says a lot about the standard without digging deep. I doubt those county team will return to Zimbabwe again.

[jontym87]

Well, Jonty has (very clumsily) said twice in this thread that it is drug related.

Jonty does have connections being an ex ZC employee.

So it looks like Garry has failed a drug test, or is about too get into a drug related scandal.

Didnt he have an Ice problem at Yorkshire? Or did I imagine that? It popped up during the Rafiq shit.

I don't know whether people are ignorant or too blind to see . Im giving another hint other players who retired in the past 24 months Zim Cricket issued farewell statements wishing them well. Now Gazza has retired ZC has been quiet and never said anything, only the PCA issued a statement. If this doesn't raise suspicion i don't know.

Anyways i will drop the bombshell soon be patient!

If you know something, just say it.

When the timing is right i will. Doesnt make sense for me to do it right now as protecting my sources.

[secretzimbo]

It has improved markedly.

And yes Durham have already signed an agreement to return in 2024.

[jontym87]

It has improved markedly.

And yes Durham have already signed an agreement to return in 2024.

Improved markedly? How did you come up with that conclusion? What were you metrics?

We have the likes of Tanunurwa Makoni being top run getter as an opener on the domestic circuit 'deservedly' playing Test Cricket because yeah they are 'the best' we have. But however at International Level they are out of sorts. If i am to measure Makoni and Kaia you will see the difference. Kaia hardly plays domestic cricket he will be busy playing club cricket in England and Australia and comes to Zim performs better than people playing first class cricket. What does that tell you about the standards?

[secretzimbo]

It has improved markedly.

And yes Durham have already signed an agreement to return in 2024.

Improved markedly? How did you come up with that conclusion? What were you metrics?

By watching hundreds of hours of Logan Cup cricket over the past few years.

The last two seasons of Logan Cup have, mostly, been higher quality than the preceeding 8-10 years.

[Googly]

Kaia just has more ability than Makoni and can make the transition without breaking a sweat.
I'm not downing Makoni at all, he has done well and hats off to him, but Kaia is different gravy. It is also easier to play with a clear head if you return and are brimming with confidence, it's a mind game for sure.

Whilst on the one hand I like the idea of ZC giving guys who've done very well in franchise a shot in an international, for many, if not most, of the players it's a bridge too far.
All we keep seeing is either the same guys struggling at the higher level or different ones having the same problem.

We saw good County players like Byrom and Carlson very short of runs in our leagues, which also indicates its not that shit. They themselves have said as much. They indicated that it was somewhere between County Ones and Two's.
I'd say that is a bit generous, my view is that it is more like Two's standard. If a big county trots out a full strength Two's side without Academy players and trialists they'd beat our franchise sides more often than not.

There's no doubt the standard has improved of late and much of that is due to the overseas guys being here.
The bowlers try harder, the batters watch them because they play a tighter game and are better technically and mentally. Their lack of runs don't show that, but they definitely are a bit stronger. If those same guys come out next year you'll see them do well. I think it's them that need to adjust..and they definitely will, they're good players.

It's absolutely vital that counties continue coming out here. We may not see the results immediately, but it will happen. The better guys will definitely learn.

I would be very surprised if this is drug related. By that I mean he failed a drug test. Highly unlikely.
I'd hazard a guess it's mostly a mental health issue. He's just upside down, thought a new environment would clear his head and it hasn't happened. Throw in the unhappy wife and its not too peachy.

I'd like to think ZC's silence is them hoping he will reconsider. BT should have a chat with the guy. I'm sure he is/has because they're friends.
What Ballance has to take into consideration is that he's got 5 years left in him and what's he going to do to earn a crust?
It's likely that he will get another County gig, he's a phenomenal player. He's a lot more welcome here than in the UK. You get the usual half wits making some noise, but by and large people just get on with shit here and some racial slurs don't bother too many people.

In the unlikely event he reads this, I'd like him to know that he's a Zimbo and he would do us very well by staying here. No better place to raise kids either. Take a teaspoon of cement and at least play the qualifiers. He's thrown in the towel about 3 times now. It's not good for him personally.

[Googly]

The majority of guys live from hand to mouth here, raise families and get on with their lives because there's simply no choice. He got some shit press and had a hard time from people he doesn't even know it and it has affected him badly. Cricket and life don't treat sensitive people kindly.

[jontym87]

It has improved markedly.

And yes Durham have already signed an agreement to return in 2024.

Improved markedly? How did you come up with that conclusion? What were you metrics?

By watching hundreds of hours of Logan Cup cricket over the past few years.

The last two seasons of Logan Cup have, mostly, been higher quality than the preceeding 8-10 years.

Watching hundred hours of Logan Cup cricket doesnt mean shit but the output counts. Let me take you back to when Zim made Test comeback the period between 2009-12 The Logan Cup was solid and very competitive results of that was seen when they competed in Test cricket. That period domestic cricket was at its best. After that things fell apart. Let me put it to you out of the 100 plus current first class players Zimbabwe currently has please name any 10 who can at this moment can claim a place in any county team.

[jontym87]

Kaia just has more ability than Makoni and can make the transition without breaking a sweat.
I'm not downing Makoni at all, he has done well and hats off to him, but Kaia is different gravy. It is also easier to play with a clear head if you return and are brimming with confidence, it's a mind game for sure.

Whilst on the one hand I like the idea of ZC giving guys who've done very well in franchise a shot in an international, for many, if not most, of the players it's a bridge too far.
All we keep seeing is either the same guys struggling at the higher level or different ones having the same problem.

We saw good County players like Byrom and Carlson very short of runs in our leagues, which also indicates its not that shit. They themselves have said as much. They indicated that it was somewhere between County Ones and Two's.
I'd say that is a bit generous, my view is that it is more like Two's standard. If a big county trots out a full strength Two's side without Academy players and trialists they'd beat our franchise sides more often than not.

There's no doubt the standard has improved of late and much of that is due to the overseas guys being here.
The bowlers try harder, the batters watch them because they play a tighter game and are better technically and mentally. Their lack of runs don't show that, but they definitely are a bit stronger. If those same guys come out next year you'll see them do well. I think it's them that need to adjust..and they definitely will, they're good players.

It's absolutely vital that counties continue coming out here. We may not see the results immediately, but it will happen. The better guys will definitely learn.

I would be very surprised if this is drug related. By that I mean he failed a drug test. Highly unlikely.
I'd hazard a guess it's mostly a mental health issue. He's just upside down, thought a new environment would clear his head and it hasn't happened. Throw in the unhappy wife and its not too peachy.

I'd like to think ZC's silence is them hoping he will reconsider. BT should have a chat with the guy. I'm sure he is/has because they're friends.
What Ballance has to take into consideration is that he's got 5 years left in him and what's he going to do to earn a crust?
It's likely that he will get another County gig, he's a phenomenal player. He's a lot more welcome here than in the UK. You get the usual half wits making some noise, but by and large people just get on with shit here and some racial slurs don't bother too many people.

In the unlikely event he reads this, I'd like him to know that he's a Zimbo and he would do us very well by staying here. No better place to raise kids either. Take a teaspoon of cement and at least play the qualifiers. He's thrown in the towel about 3 times now. It's not good for him personally.

Like your sober analysis and agree with you. On Kaia i've been privileged to have played and being his club captain when he was still a schoolboy at PE and also when he made the Zim U19 team and i was the team performance analyst. He was just an average cricketer but through, dedication, hard work and competitive cricket he became better player. Had he continued playing cricket in Zim without overseas stints, he wouldn't have been anywhere near where he is today thats a fact.

Look at Muzarabani, at Somerset he was becoming a very good bowler there was marked improvement. Ever since he got back he has never been the same. His development has stalled.

[jontym87]

The majority of guys live from hand to mouth here, raise families and get on with their lives because there's simply no choice. He got some shit press and had a hard time from people he doesn't even know it and it has affected him badly. Cricket and life don't treat sensitive people kindly.

But most of the things that caused all that who was to blame. He only got himself to blame. He did worse things when he was at Rhinos together with BT