Butcher optimistic as Zimbabwe return to test cricket

Coach Alan Butcher is convinced Zimbabwe will do themselves justice on their return to Test cricket after an enforced six year absence against Bangladesh here on Thursday.

This one off Test is followed by Pakistan’s visit in September for another one off Test, three one day internationals and two Twenty20s, with New Zealand lined up for later in the year.

   Many Zimbabwe cricket followers suggest that their team is either not yet capable of competing at the required level — or never will be.

   There is therefore an understandable air of anxiety hanging over  Harare.

   But Butcher struck an optimistic note, declaring: “We have made very considerable progress in the last six months and I am convinced we will do well. We are good and ready.”   

Zimbabwe’s chairman of selectors and former Test captain Alister  Campbell has asked that people judge his side’s performances on the  basis of all three tours, rather than after this one Test against bottom-rated Bangladesh.

   But he also warned: “The proof will be in the pudding this week”.

   It is not only the Zimbabwe players that are on trial, but also the ZimCricket managing director Ozias Bvute and chairman Peter Chingoka, who have pushed for a return to Test cricket for at least  15 months since Sri Lanka and India played an ODI triangular here.

   The ICC itself will also be criticised for giving their approval  if Zimbabwe are embarrassed by Bangladesh.

   Zimbabwe administrators however suggest that the introduction almost two years ago of a franchised five-province first class league has provided a competitive edge.

   The Zimbabwe squad of 14 announced on Monday includes eight players with previous experience in Test cricket, in particular Tatenda Taibu with 24 played, Ray Price with 18 and Hamilton Masakadza with 15.

   A Zimbabwe XI pulled off a surprise victory against Bangladesh on Monday by four wickets in a three-day match.

   That three-day warm-up at the Harare Academy with its criticised  pitch was a setback to the Bangladeshis despite the conditions.

   Bangladesh have won only three and drawn six of their 68 Tests played, while Zimbabwe have managed eight wins and drawn 26 from 83.

   But since 2006 Bangladesh have won 21 out of 26 ODI’s played between them and it is recognised that they have improved in recent  years to the point where they are considered serious opposition by all other countries.

   Zimbabwe were obliged to withdraw from Test cricket in 2005, although Chingoka always insists it was their decision.

   However he had no option after their final four Test matches when Sri Lanka beat them twice by an innings and more than 200 runs. And India won one of theirs by an innings and more than 200 runs, the other by ten wickets.

   Their downfall was triggered by the then captain Heath Streak, now the bowling coach, complaining about team selection prompting his sacking.

   That led to 14 other contracted players going on strike in his support.

   Zimbabwe’s administrators then stated that under ICC rules they could field “the strongest team possible” and threw raw youngsters into the fray against Sri Lanka and India with inevitable results.

   Whatever happens this week this is a great moment for Zimbabwe cricket. They will not take the international five-day arena cricket by storm but they should give a decent account of themselves in the weeks to come.

   Zimbabwe

Brendan Taylor (capt), Regis Chakabva, Elton Chigumbura, Craig Ervine, Kyle Jarvis, Hamilton Masakadza, Tinotenda Mawoyo, Keegan Meth, Christopher Mpofu, Raymond Price, Vusimusi Sibanda, Tatenda Taibu, Prosper Utseya and Brian Vitori.

   Bangladesh   

Shakib al Hassan (capt), Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Junaid Siddique, Mohammad Ashraful (back after being dropped), Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Abdur Razzak, Shafiul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Nazmul Hossain, Shahriar Nafeez, Robiul Islam, Shivagoto Hom, Nasir  Hossain. Coach Stuart Law.