South africa Tour of Zimbabwe | Test Series | 28 June - 10 July 2025

[Marshmallow]

Dion myers in this year logan cup:
6 innings 409 runs at 81.80 average

[ZIMDOGGY]

Williams is an absolute gem.
We are so lucky that he has risen to this level.
He’s proven now that he is world class.
I’m really worried about life after he retires.

[TapsC2]

The Sammons 'brains trust' needs to interrogate how we have failed to cross 300 at least once in these last 2 games yet we have found ourselves maybe 170-4 a couple of times. Lower order is letting us down especially Tsiga. Might have canned Mayavo a bit too quickly. Competition is healthy

[eugene]

Sean Williams is up there with Andy Flower and Dave Houghton in terms of Zimbabwean greatness I reckon.

[eugene]

Sean Williams is up there with Andy Flower and Dave Houghton in terms of Zimbabwean greatness I reckon. I would certainly place him ahead of Brendan Taylor.

[Andy31]

Sean Williams is up there with Andy Flower and Dave Houghton in terms of Zimbabwean greatness I reckon. I would certainly place him ahead of Brendan Taylor.

His last month has definitely done that for me.
Deserved that to make a 100 in England.

Players like him deserve to play as many test as possible

[zimbos_05]

The more we play test cricket the more people will realize that we need a big squad of guys capable of stepping up at any moment in this format. You will get your opportunity. It's now up to you to take it. You will also get more than one chance.

Chivanga wasn't on the plane to England but here he is 2 games later proving his worth. Madande was sitting casually on the sidelines, comes on to field for a few minutes and he dropped a future centurion. Prince was chilling as well and found himself in the firing line. Campbell was on the bench then made his debut as captain. Selection in the end doesn't become a big issue because in a year with 11 tests, you will get an opportunity.

What players don't need is pressure to perform because to be honest I don't think the guys below the big 3 and Bennett are that far apart in terms of current match readiness. Match readiness for me is a combination of talent, determination, critical thinking and application.

I'm a little confused as to the point you are making?

Yes, the more we play, the more you need a big squad. I'm not sure the people at ZC realise that. Take Wes for example. The guy has failed continuously at Test cricket, yet he is still lauded as the person who will deliver for our test team. So many have had more than one chance, and have not taken it. Others have taken their chance, then dropped as soon as they fail.

Players need a level of pressure. Look at our batters. They continually failing. Yes, I think a major part of it is mental fortitude, critical thinking, and application, but you also need to know that your spot is not assured, there is someone pushing you who wants your spot. That kind of pressure that forces you to up your game. To stay later in training. To apply yourself mentally and physically.

Getting very tired of watching us just wither over and die with the bat. Can barely get to half of what other teams are doing, and it's always the same people getting the runs. I'm not sure if Matsi is still the batting coach, but again, it's the same issues that persist for years and we keep doing the same mistakes over and over.

[Googly]

We get to half their score most times because our batting is brittle AND because the opposition generally only really have to worry about one bowler. The standard of bowling they have to face compared to us is chalk and cheese.

Having said that, Wellie had a really good spell yesterday. Finally seeing some good turn and he was landing them and bowled beautifully, actually. There's just no pressure on them with such a big lead and the pitch is playing better. That steep bounce has gone, but it is starting to turn.
He was getting good dip as well. Generally indicates over-spin, which is why he gets less turn. Thats why I asked if he ever bowled scrambled seam. Narine for example doesnt get much revs on the ball, yet it turns. Wellie definitely gets more revs and yet it turns less? It would just indicate he's getting more overspin than sidespin, and it rarely hits the seam.
He is by far and away our most accurate spinner.
We're in a rough position because you just cant rely on our part-timers. By international standards theyre mediocre at best. Wes probably has the highest ceiling out of our "part-timers". In an ordinary world he'd have to really ramp up his bowling to stay relevant.

We always have so much debate about our pitches. They change dramatically yet dont break up? Its weird.

Blessing bowled some absolute jaffers and deserved Mulder's wicket, who is also batting well. That was good stuff yesterday evening. Its going to be interesting what the pitch does in the first half hour.
TK got his line a bit wrong, literally about 6 inches to a foot too wide. He gave them some easy leaves. Its a game of mm.

Prince coming in possibly means Bennett is not going to bat the second innings? And possibly not the next game? I didn't see him get hit, but apparently continued batting for a short time? At least he wasn't pole-axed. Hope he's ok he was looking good as usual.

[Andy31]

I think Welly stays next test.
Defs one seamer short.

You minus 130 runs with drs and different game.

[Googly]

Some really insightful stuff from Pollock.
Is Blessing injured?
TK is bowling great, but just 4 inches too wide. He has to make Mulder play. And as Pollock said, they need another slip. Theres a small window here before there's less assistance from the pitch and new ball.