Taylor taibu set to start against aussies

[jimbo]

Taylor, Taibu back in Zim XI squad to play Australia
by Mafu Sithabile

BRENDAN TAYLOR and Tatenda Taibu are expected to bounce back into the Zimbabwe XI team for the second four-day match against Australia A that begins at Harare Sports Club tomorrow.

Zimbabwe XI trail the series 1-0 after losing the first match by seven wickets at Country Club on Monday. But they are hoping to strengthen their batting line-up by adding the experienced duo.

Taylor was rested last week to enable him to recover from a shoulder injury while Taibu has been on the sidelines nursing a thumb injury.

The Zimbabwe wicketkeeper/batsman will be hoping to make his first match after missing the first four-day game and the triangular series against Australia A and South Africa A which was played early in the month.

Chairman of selectors Alistair Campbell said they were banking on Taibu's return to full fitness.

He said the wicketkeeper's condition will be assessed this afternoon to determine if he would be able to play as the home side hopes to put a better show and save the series.

The Zimbabwe camp had been affected by injuries to key players, who also include Graeme Cremer, Greg Lamb, Ray Price and Terry Duffin.

Batsmen Elton Chigumbura, Hamilton Masakadza and skipper Vusimuzi Sibanda were outstanding for the hosts while rookie left arm fast bowler Brian Vitori also did well to finish with five wickets.

Campbell said he was particularly impressed by Chigumbura's return to form but reckoned that other players needed to step up their game, especially with the Bangladesh tour approaching.

Taibu's inclusion might be good for Zimbabwe's middle order, which has been struggling to score against the Australian bowlers.

Source: Byo24News 1 0Email0Share1
Comments

[jimbo]

If price comes back too it will be a close to dammit full strength team

[maehara]

Per David Coltart on Twitter - Taibu unlikely to start, still concerns over his thumb. Taylor shoul play.

[eugene]

I would have liked to see Taibu in the longer form. I hope he remembers his classic shots for the test series as reverse sweeping all the time in the 5 day game isn't a recipe for success.