By John Ward

First of all we need to apologize for a rather thin edition of our Online magazine this week. A computer breakdown on Tuesday and Wednesday cost us two prime days’ work, and the main victim was the statistical section. We have updated the overall Zimbabwe Test records, but have been unable yet to update the individual Zimbabwe players’ records. All being well, these will be completed during the next few days.

Two contrasting one-day internationals have taken place in India since our last issue, and the third will either be in progress or will have been completed by the time these words are read. Realistically, Zimbabwe have little chance against India in India; the main question was how competitive we could be. The team was most competitive in the first match, but offered poor opposition in the second. This is the story of Zimbabwe cricket. The team could still win a match or two, but are always unpredictable on the day. [More]

INTERVIEW

Peter Robinson

Peter Robinson, by his own admission, was never a very good player of the game, but he has become a leading figure in administration and umpiring in Zimbabwe. He played a little himself at school and university, but spent much more time coaching and umpiring.

"When I retired from commerce, this job as director of umpiring and scoring came up, so I decided to take it," he says. "The ZCU identified various areas that were of prime concern, apart from the administration of umpiring and scoring. The two most important areas that were identified were training and recruitment. We've enjoyed scant success, so I have gone in the field of recruitment, although there is an initiative to be launched shortly to recruit from schools level. [More]

STATISTICS

Zimbabwe v India - Test Records [More]

Zimbabwe Test Match Record [More]

Index to magazine issues 21 to 24
These issues cover the 2000/01 season and we include the index as a reference for those looking for articles about certain players or events. [More]

LETTERS

WELL DONE TO ZIMBABWE CRICKET
Congratulations to the Zimbabwe Cricket team on their mammoth achievement in drawing the Second Test in India. Although it was not a win it showed that the side has the bottle to deal with really tough situations. Andy Flower was magnificent; however, it was a team effort by everyone and an achievement to be proud of.
Pat Moody (England) [More]

ZIMBABWEAN DOMESTIC CRICKET
I live in Sydney and am a big fan of cricket. It was heartening to see Zimbabwe doing reasonably well in India. Not many teams come away from India with high scores and the Aussies may be in for a surprise when they go over next year.
Saty Warty (Australia) [More]

STATISTICS AND PHOTOS
It is very encouraging to see these up and coming players. I wish them luck. Could you include some more statistics and pictures of Zimbabwe cricket. And some favourite shot of these guys, so that when they step into international arena, we will be looking out for it.
Saneer Pathak (USA) [More]

Universals hammer Alex
Club cricket report by Clive Ruffell

Everton Matambanadzo turned in a fine all-round performance in the Castle Lager National First League to propel Universals to a shock 143- run defeat of the in-form Alexandra Cricket Club on Sunday. Alex have swept virtually all opposition aside this season in both the national and provincial league matches, but were single-handedly destroyed by Matambanadzo who finally found the form which propelled him into international cricket a few seasons ago. [More]

Manicaland Cricket Report
By Mark Burmester

Things have been quiet in the province over the last couple of weeks except for the hosting of the Castle Bowl matches between the Zimbabwe Board XI and the Easterns Second XI from South Africa. This was a resounding success with both teams enjoying their stay in our beautiful city. The cricket was dominated by Zimbabwe who fielded a young side, which bodes well for the future.

On the development front the high-density schools always finish their season with the play-offs, which are held at Mutare Sports Club. This two-day event is very kindly sponsored by Central Pharmacy annually and again proved that our system is working. For many of these kids it is their first opportunity to play on a turf wicket and enjoy the luxury of having a grass outfield. The quality of player at this year's tournament was a huge improvement on the previous years. This is what it is all about and the sheer enjoyment the boys experience is a real eye-opener. [More]

Matabeleland Cricket Report
by Derrick Townshend

With the end of 2000 approaching the Matabeleland Cricket Association is losing two board members who are emigrating from Zimbabwe, following the recent departure of the Chairman Mr. Kevin Dabinett to Zambia. Carolyne Prentice, who is training to become an umpire, is leaving with her family for Australia, while the chairman of the Matabeleland Umpires Association and MCA Board member Paddy Ewer is going to Pietermaritzburg in South Africa to take the post of Senior Lecturer in Mathematics. [More]

SCHOOLS

Hillcrest College, Mutare
By John Winter (master i/c cricket)

Cricket at Hillcrest College has had another good season. Despite problems of fuel and its relatively small size, the school manages to hold its own against even the largest schools. Highlights in 2000 have been the Under-14 and under-15 cricket tour to Johannesburg and the first-term South African tour which, at the time of writing, is going well. Coach Simon Scott-Elliot continues to mould confident, technically sound cricketers and teams with high morale. [More]

Zimbabwe U14 Report
By Temba Mkosana (team manager)
The Zimbabwe U14 Cricket Team was selected at the Stragglers age-group trials held at St George's College, Harare, on 21 and 22 October 2000. The selectors involved in the selection process were Messrs BW Lake, A Ferreira, TL Mkosana, M Nash and W Randell. The trials involved Mashonaland, Matabeleland, Mashonaland Country Districts and Selectors' XI teams. The Selectors team was made up of players from Midlands/ Masvingo and three boys from each of the above three provinces. [More]

Picture of the Week