[Match Thread] Eagles v Tuskers (Logan Cup)

[Jemisi]

Ncube jumping past Meth was addled thinking, Hhm. With you there.

[FlowerPower]

.... Duffin always does his best to see off the new ball patiently, but he hasn't been converting the starts unfortunately - takes nothing away from his pedigree as an opener (toughest job for a batsman at any level), it'll happen sooner rather than later.

I have really been diplomatic about this point hhm and you have persisted with the Ewing, Matsi, Duffin old heads argument...and I have conceded to Ewing and Matsi based on experience and more so FORM...but Duffin is a bit of an odd one I mean look at his record, both test and ODI, and very importantly FC I mean from over a 100 FC innings (most at the top) only a return of 3 Hundreds, and 20 Fifties...I mean the incumbent Test opener Tino from his 130 innings (read marginally MORE experienced), has the same number of Hundreds (3) and a shade less 50s (18)...their averages a shade above 29 (Tino a paint coat ahead)...so what experience or class difference is there between the two? In the two Tests both have played (obviously different eras) Mawoyo has acquitted himself markedly better. Unless experience equals age, then Duffin definitely shades it by some 5 years....just thought I'd get it off my chest...

Have you guys noticed this funny trend: Jarvis&Vitori who all have less experience edged the guys who did well last season Meth&Chatara. Now Ncube appears and despite the long wait by meth, he's playing a Test match for us. Very soon Querl might even jump Meth! What on earth is going on?

Yep I have...being a Meth campaigner haven't been too chuffed, but I think all should wait until they have learned their trade in FC and A tours... but we only need to rewind to how Meth fetched in that third ODI...hence that may have been the thinking..

[Jemisi]

Duffin has given us enough evidence to suggest that he isn't either in form, or capable of producing the goods over a period of time.

[Lostart]

Damn Querl is tearing the eagle apart. Thats like 7-23 not bad match figures even if he doesn't take another wicket

[Jemisi]

It has been a devastating collapse. As a Rocks supporter, I can sympathise.

[hhm]

...I have really been diplomatic about this point hhm...but Duffin is a bit of an odd one I mean look at his record, both test and ODI, and very importantly FC I mean from over a 100 FC innings (most at the top) only a return of 3 Hundreds, and 20 Fifties...I mean the incumbent Test opener Tino from his 130 innings (read marginally MORE experienced), has the same number of Hundreds (3) and a shade less 50s (18)...their averages a shade above 29 (Tino a paint coat ahead)...so what experience or class difference is there between the two? ....just thought I'd get it off my chest...

First of all, Duffin (and pretty much many of the other mature palyers) achieved his stats against FAR much better, tougher and quality opposition. It's a waste of time comparing the stats of guys who rocked up in the Zim domectic cricket post the rebel saga onwards (e.g. Forster/Waller to Matsi, Ewing, Duffin). Tino may have been around earlier as well, but if you have a good memory (if not ask some of the guys) you will know that his stats weren't much better than those of a good tailender in the early part of that decade. Duffin would be averaging 40+ with more than double the number of centuries if that was the case! He wasn't around for a long time remember, particularly during that 'free-for-all' period! How on earth do you think Forster got such a high FC average compared to some of our top national batsmen right now!

So once more form is temporary - class is permanent!!!! He may be off-form so far, but of the Zimbabwean batsmen out of anyone who played more than 3 matches last season (or to put you into perspective, 3 games and 5 months ago), he was top 10 in runs and average, with the second highest score of 193 to Hamilton's 201. And he joined the season late. Having had no off-season. This time around he was injured (hence couldn't play despite being chosen in that crazy 32). We could say he's still shaking off his injury. In terms of average balls faced per innings, again he is top 10, but the majority of the guys topping the list with him are middle order players while he's an opener, hence more valuable in his case.

To be fair take into context the fact that Matsi (whom you tolerate) was horrible last season. It helps little to focus on the present two months and ignore the rest of the last 12 months! Consistency and class are adjudged over a long period. Even after that season when Matsi was poor, and before this one I still maintained faith in him. I REPEAT - BE CONSISTENT.

Sure form influences selectors' choices and supporter sentiment, but that's exactly why those who subscribe to that 'open' school of thought SHOULD NOT COMPLAIN when like Ncube, Chinouya, Shingi, Manatsa, Mutombodzi, Mutumbami etc don the red in the next 6-12 months. See where that takes us. I'm not complaining and I'll stick to my preferred players because I'm certain it makes more sense! You're all entitled to your differing views. Time will tell, and at this rate, I have a clear picture what it will look like 2 years from now. Don't worry I'll still be around the ZCF!

[aydee]

First of all, Duffin (and pretty much many of the other mature palyers) achieved his stats against FAR much better, tougher and quality opposition

Not really true. In his brief international career, he played against the likes of Kenya, Ireland, Canada and Bermuda... and his Tuskers record since the inception of franchise cricket is mediocre in comparison to his competition, opening or otherwise.

It is encouragin to see that Panyangara has picked up some wickets this season, particularly because his record for the Mountaineers last year was dreadful, presumably why they released him at the end of the season...

[Jemisi]

I'm just impressed you managed another 4 paragraphs in support of Duffin, Hhm.

I have been pretty consistent. He isn't good enough, even for your plans for him as a role player.

[hhm]

....and his Tuskers record since the inception of franchise cricket is mediocre in comparison to his competition, opening or otherwise....

He only played last season. What on earth do you mean. That's the same season he got 193, and averaged a touch under 40.

[aydee]

....and his Tuskers record since the inception of franchise cricket is mediocre in comparison to his competition, opening or otherwise....

He only played last season. What on earth do you mean. That's the same season he got 193, and averaged a touch under 40.

Not true. He played for the Tuskers in the 2009/2010 season as well. Played 7 first class matches, and scored 254 runs at an average of 21. In the 2010/11 season he scored 466 runs in 8 first class matches at an average of 38. This season in 3 games, he has 138 runs at 34. For the life of me, I fail to see how any recall to the national side is merited, based on this level of performance.

Panyangara meanwhile took a grand total of 9 wickets in 8 Logan Cup games last year at an average of 47...