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. It is very rewarding as an enthusiastic Zimbabwe supporter when our boys put together a performance like that, it truly shows that they are a world class outfit and worthy performers on the world stage.

I really enjoyed the one-day triangular series here in England this year and managed to see several wonderful matches. Maybe next time they are at Lord's they will be able to show some of the resolve they have presented in India. Apart from Lords it was an excellent performance and as supporters was very rewarding. Pity the players were unable to come down to speak to their supporters, especially at the Oval. I am especially pleased that the players were able to leave behind good reports on the manner in which they represented their country, both on and off the field. I wish them well in the one-day series about to start in India and we look forward to seeing them collect the winning trophy!

We really appreciate the excellent work done on the Zim CricInfo web site, especially your interviews on the online magazine, John Ward. The recent discussions with Dave Houghton were especially enlightening. Perhaps Andy Flower could be a choice as opener when Tatenda Taibu or another keeper is available for selection. Why is Guy Whittall not bowling these days?
Pat Moody (England)

Reply: Yes, I did suggest to Andy some time ago that he might consider giving up the gloves and opening, but he told me he did not like opening. Besides, if he has any weakness at all, he is not quite so effective against bowlers of real pace. Guy Whittall has had knee trouble for some time and it is still bothering him to some extent, so that is why he has not bowled for some time.

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. I have not understood the first-class set-up in Zimbabwe, although I have read about it only slightly. Could you please advise me:

1. How many teams are involved?
2. Is it league (round robin) set-up?
3. How many games does each team play each season?

Any information will be handy.
Saty Warty (Australia)

Reply: The format has changed from one year to the next. For this season six teams are involved - Mashonaland, Mashonaland A, Matabeleland, Manicaland, Midlands and the CFX Academy. It will be played entirely as a league this year, with each team playing the others once each, making five matches for each side.

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)

Reply: There are plenty of statistics available if you follow the links on the main page - zcu.cricinfo.com. Photographs are a problem, though, as we have nobody in the country at present taking photos of our players, except for the likes of Reuters at international matches.