Letters

Editorial address: jward@cricinfo.com

REFLECTIONS ON SHARJAH

At Sharjah, the “fighters” Zimbabwe, who were hammered for 363 by SAF, were again in the similar condition with both Sri Lanka and Pakistan scoring 200 plus in 40th over in all the matches. But what was creditable was that none managed to reach even 280 which proved Zimbabwe’s ability to come back, albeit late.

Ervine’s six reminded me of Johnson’s six in the latter’s debut ODI off Tait. His performance put him along Fletcher and Crocker’s earlier all-round performances. Let’s hope he will emulate the former.

Olonga again proved he is superb in second spells. Gripper’s catching was sensational. However Murphy did show a lack of confidence when he bowled only four overs in the first leg. His wicketless tally was a problem but he did raise the fielding standards.

I personally feel that Rennie’s middle-order exploits were more consistent than Dion Ebrahim’s. You can’t expect a youngster to survive after dropping him in mid-ocean. In such situations you need a link between youth and experience - player’s like Rennie, Viljoen and Wishart (who is always unsure of his place).

However, with emerging talent like Marillier and Brent and the reincarnated - I should expect - Campbell and Whittall to return with Blignaut and B. Strang, the Zimbos would begin their winning streak again.

Situ Phalswal (India)

Thanks very much for your letter - some very good points. I especially agree with your point about a link needed between the most experienced players and the youngsters. The top players are all of a fairly similar age, and will probably retire at about the same time, leaving a huge gap unless there are enough ‘link’ players to maintain stability.

DOUGGIE MARILLIER

I would like to say how proud I am of young Douggie. I played with him and his brothers Eian and the effervescent young Stevie at [Harare] Sports Club in the late Nineties. I remember with great horror the day I was told that Douggie was in a car accident, broke both legs and might never play cricket again. I want to say to you, Douggie, well done, buddy. I still brag to my new mates here in England about that night in Perth, the last over, against McGrath. That summed it up for me, a true fighter, and a young man who will give it 10000% everywhere. Now just recently, reading the match report against Pakistan in Sharjah, I quote: "Using the old-fashioned long handle to good effect, Marillier tonked the bowling around for 37 but could only delay the inevitable. As entertaining a knock as any played on the day, Marillier’s innings showed that the lad had more than a bit of fighting spirit in him."

Douggie, I am happy for you, well done and keep it up. What is young Stevie up to... blasting batsmen away???

Graeme Johnstone-Robertson (England)



MY HEART BLEEDS

I am a proud Zimbabwe cricket supporter and my heart bleeds seeing Sri Lanka and Pakistan rip us apart the way they did. I personally know that Zim is capable of beating these two sides but the problem I suppose is the selectors. They think this some social event and I really don’t know if they have cricket at heart when they select a team. They are not serious.

One, they make Murphy the captain. How many matches has he played and is he mature enough? I feel no one wanted to be captain and they just dumped it on Murphy. No disrespect for Murphy but I feel he still has so much to learn.

Look at Dirk Viljoen. He is a good spinner but how many times do they give him a chance to prove himself? Pick and drop should be the mission statement for the selectors.

My question is don’t we have any real pace bowlers in the country? Look at the team at the moment. Heath Streak is not as accurate and fast as he used to be coz he tries too much variation. All he needs to do is concentrate on line and length. He should try to emulate Fleming and other fast bowlers. There isn’t much the batsmen can do if the bowlers cannot do the basic thing, ‘bowl line and length’. I’m not a critic but a former club player who got frustrated.

The only way we can get to the Super Six for the next World Cup is to get our priorities right. There is so much talent out there, you guys. Don’t just rely on Mr Campbell who can only score regularly when playing club cricket. He needs to work on his technique and stop thinking that he is the man because he is not.

Look at the way some good players have been lost because of our dear selectors. Please work this out before Zimbabwe is beaten by Kenya, Holland and Bangladesh because we are good enough to be playing Australia.

Food for thought: Zim XI- A.FLOWER, G.RENNIE, G.FLOWER, D.MARILLIER, S.CARLISLE, MASAKADZA, H.STREAK, EBRAHIM, B.STRANG, VILJOEN, MATAMBANADZO, MBANGWA, FRIEND AND MUTENDERA.

William Manyara (UK)