Letters

Editorial address: jward@cricinfo.com

HOW WILL ZCU SOLVE THE PROBLEMS?

My question, is how is the Zimbabwe Cricket Union going to sort out its problems, or how are they going to go about it? It seems as though the ZCU has had these problems before and not so long ago, concerning salaries and racial quotas. Yet the same problems keep rearing their ugly heads. It seems as though we are not getting anywhere.

Talking about the selections, you were saying how bowlers were chosen for their pace and wicket-taking abilities. I understand that, and agree with it to a certain extent; for example, Travis Friend and Henry Olonga are both attacking pace bowlers, but they can never get six in a row in the right place. So although they might bowl the occasional wicket-taking ball, in between times they are very expensive. I think Travis could be a really good bowler if he just managed to bowl more consistently in the right place. He has lots of pace, is young and has a really good action. The same applies for Henry.

But my point is would you rather chase 300/8 (wishful thinking with the way our bowlers have been bowling lately) with some fast inaccurate fast bowling, or 250/5 with the medium pacers plodding away at a decent line and length? Personally I would love to have Streak, Olonga, Friend and Watambwa playing in the same squad, but not if they are bowling as they are now. Admittedly Watambwa is injured at the moment, but I would imagine that that would be quite a formidable bowling attack if they were all fit and bowling straight and then throw in Marillier for a bit of variation.

Paul Durand (Zimbabwe)

THE WAY FORWARD?

What is happening with Zimbabwean cricket at the moment? I know that is a very open question, so, as an avid supporter, I'll try and be a bit more precise.

Selectors: I actually find it quite humorous that there are - what was the last count? - seven selectors, plus the captain and coach, selecting 11 players from, as everyone is reminded constantly, a very small player base. Further, I believe, apart from the last two, none of them have Test match experience. Let's keep things simple, and have three selectors. One convener, and then one from Mashonaland, and one from Matabeleland.

Selection policies: I cannot understand how there can be so much controversy over selections. Controversy should only occur when a side has to pick 11 players from a pool of over 11 competent players. We're talking international cricket here, and Zimbabwe has only two players of international calibre. I obviously refer to Heath Streak and Andy Flower. How can batsmen with averages of 20-30, or bowlers with averages of 35-45, make a reasonable argument that they should be included in a side. Simply, they are not good enough at that standard. More on this later.

Edicts and directives from governing bodies are commonplace throughout the sporting world. I know there's confusion at the moment between goals and quotas, etc, but there is absolutely nothing unethical about the ZCU stating "there must be x amount of non white players selected" in the national side. Another example of this might be "we have 11 thirty-five- year-old players in the side, the selectors are hereby directed to select three twenty year olds in all future teams". As long as the organization is transparent, I think these edicts would be widely accepted. Sides can be chosen with a number of points being satisfied, and these points can certainly range anywhere between planning for the future to marketing reasons.

Sides selected: I won't waste your time by naming my own side as that is purely a matter of opinion and, further, I am not qualified to do so. However, I believe, England have stolen a 10-day march on Zimbabwe in regard to the next World Cup. They, the ECB, had the foresight to choose a squad with the World Cup in mind and, accordingly, brought out a number of inexperienced and untried players. The organization and the players are certainly wiser and more experienced as a result. Zimbabwe, predictably, threw out the same old worn-out underachievers. I think most sponsors and the paying public will accept defeat if it is obvious that the side is being rebuilt. 1994 aside, I don't think the Zimbabwean side has ever been rebuilt.

Further to an earlier point, surely it is painstakingly obvious that selecting the 11 most talented players in the country simply does not work for Zimbabwe. I humbly suggest that the 11 best fighters be selected, those who cannot stomach defeat and will go down swinging. That would actually be quite refreshing from witnessing the soft, whimpering efforts that seem to have become commonplace.

Domestic cricket: The ZCU seems determined to have a domestic first-class season, and I use those terms broadly. I would be interested to discover how much money is spent on this concept. From an Australian point of view, it seems ludicrous to spend money on teaching players, who, quite frankly, would struggle in second- and third-grade Australian cricket, the concepts of playing three- and four-day cricket. A first eleven is only as strong as its second eleven. I say this because Australia is undoubtedly the number one cricketing nation in the world, and its second eleven would beat a majority of the other Test-playing nations. Get a Zimbabwe Antelopes side playing first-class cricket in South Africa, and a Zimbabwe Buffaloes side playing in the 'B' comp. How accomplished would some of the replacements be in the national side after two or three seasons playing Supersport? Reduce the Logan Cup to one-day cricket, with Mashonaland, Matabeleland, Midlands-Manica, and the CFX Academy. Each side would play each other twice at home and twice away, over the same weekend of course, and have 12 games each. Have an annual Charity Shield four-day game between Mashonaland and Matabeleland to conclude every season.

Less is more. First Division cricket could become a Premier Cricket League, with franchises granted to 10 teams. Conditions could be to have three teams in each applying club, a women's side to play in a eight-person competition, and an over-40s side to play Saturday cricket. Therefore, five teams in each club, with exceptions given to Mutare and Kwekwe. It would not be difficult to come up with a hundred different ideas.

I accept that views of the public are meaningless without financial contributions: I mean people who buy season tickets to watch games and are financial members of clubs have a right to express their opinions. Others should not expect the same rights. I have previously attempted to secure this right with the ZCU to no avail, and would be happy to pay membership fees to join any Supporters Club currently in vogue in Zimbabwean Cricket circles. Any information in regards to this would be appreciated.

Phil Garland (Australia)

Reply: Unfortunately, no supporters club exists at present, though there is plenty of scope for anybody to start one internationally. Zimbabwe have tried to gain a place for a team in the South African SuperSport series, but the South Africans will not agree.