By John Ward

I had a great deal of interest in Bangladesh’s inaugural Test, recently concluded against India, most of all because of memories of Zimbabwe’s inaugural Test against the same country eight years ago.

Along with, it appears, most cricket-followers worldwide, I didn’t think Bangladesh were yet strong enough to play Test cricket, although of course I wished them all the best. Zimbabwe had a much longer and harder apprenticeship, and our players had been playing first-class for all their careers. For every season since 1970/71, our last season in B Section Currie Cup cricket, Zimbabwean cricketers had played first-class matches against either powerful South African provinces or strong international opponents.[More]

  INTERVIEW

Dave Houghton: the influence continues
Dave Houghton talks to John Ward about his new job as coach at the CFX Academy and looks back on his years as Zimbabwe team coach.

Which individual has had the greatest influence on Zimbabwe cricket since it began just over 100 years ago? Names such as David Lewis, Colin Bland, John Traicos and Andy Flower spring to mind, and Mike Procter certainly transformed the country’s cricket, but he was only here for six years. Considering that the opportunity for influence has increased so much in recent years, perhaps the most prominent name, when a definitive history of the country's cricket comes to be written, will be that of Dave Houghton.

Ever since he made his first appearance as a rather tubby wicket-keeper/batsman in 1977, Dave Houghton has made a steadily increasing impact on cricket in this country, and his role has by no means diminished since he retired twenty years later. He took a long time to start fulfilling his potential, taking nearly eight years to record a first-class century, but he went on to record a total of 17, well ahead of the next best, Mike Procter’s 11. This has recently been overtaken by Andy Flower, but Dave’s more than 7000 first-class runs remains a Zimbabwean record, although that too will soon be overtaken by the Flower brothers who have had more opportunities. [More]

BIOGRAPHIES

Gwynne Jones: meet the Academy director
When the CFX Academy opened at Country Club in Harare, it was vital for the Zimbabwe Cricket Union to find the right man as its first director. They made an excellent choice when they appointed Gwynne Jones, a man with wide experience as a player, teacher and coach with experience in Zimbabwe, England, South Africa and New Zealand. [More]

Bryan Strang
Bryan Strang is something of a self-taught cricketer. Although others have had an impact on his cricketing development at different times, in the end it is Bryan himself who has done his homework and made himself into the effective international cricketer he is today. [More]

Paul Strang
All-rounder Paul Strang had an almost meteoric rise to prominence in world cricket. He was almost unknown in international cricket circles when he sprang to prominence in the World Cup of 1995/96 in India, becoming one of the tournament’s top wicket-takers. This was followed by success with the ball in a Test series in Sri Lanka and a Test century in Pakistan against the might of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. In 1997 he became Kent’s overseas player in the county championship, and this was followed by a year with Nottinghamshire. [More]

Winstonians edge out Old Hararians
Vigne Cup report by Clive Ruffell

With most sides depleted due to players representing the Zimbabwe Board XI, three Vigne Cup matches were played on Sunday. The Vigne Cup is contested by Mashonaland teams only.
The ever improving Winstonians side earned a notable victory against powerhouse side Old Hararians in a Vigne Cup match on Sunday. Admittedly, Old Hararians were a depleted side, missing key players Trevor Penney and Dirk Viljoen. Nevertheless, the win is a major boost for coach Steven Mangono and his young side. [More]

Matabeleland cricket report
by Derrick Townshend

Matabeleland has made history by becoming the first province to have a lady umpire, Ms. Cavine Morgan, stand in the League.
Ladies are beginning to take a more active role in local cricket circles with the formation of the Matabeleland Ladies Cricket Association, another first in Zimbabwe. Matches have been played against Northerns Under-19s, but the results showed much work needs to be implemented to improve. The ladies are however very keen and practise weekly at Queens Sports Ground while sponsorship for kit, etc., has been forthcoming. It is hoped that other provinces in Zimbabwe will endeavour to follow Matabeleland and begin raising other ladies’ cricket teams. [More]

LETTERS

"As a lifelong follower of cricket in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe (back to the Percy Mansell days and before that), may I congratulate you on the 1999 Yearbook as a superb publication under difficult circumstances. I was born and went to school out there but still remember with delight watching at the Police Ground in the era of Partridge and Goofy Lawrence. I also enjoy your column in The Cricketer; I myself contribute the snippet on 'Cricketana' in Wisden annually. "
Gordon Phillips (UK)

"Keep up the good work, the web page is great. Please could you send me or publish a list of touring teams coming to Zimbabwe in 2001."
Roger A Little (Zimbabwe) [More]

INDEX TO MAGAZINE ISSUES 1 TO 20
These issues cover the entire 1999/2000 season and we include the index as a reference for those looking for articles about certain players or events. [Index | Archive]

CURRENT FORM CHART: ZIMBABWEANS IN TEST CRICKET
Just before the two-match series in India, we bring you the form chart of all Zimbabwe’s Test players during the year 2000. Zimbabwe have played six Test matches this year, two each against West Indies (away), England (away) and New Zealand (home). [More]

Picture of the Week

Viljoen has his stumps shaken by Prasad
Image: © CricInfo Ltd 2000