Taibu optimistic despite rout

Despite losing the second Test against South Africa by an innings and 62 runs, Tatenda Taibu, the Zimbabwe captain, said that he was encouraged by his team's performance. Speaking to the media after Zimbabwe's fourth innings defeat in their last six Tests, he said: "Our performance here was better than during the first Test at Cape Town.

"The batsmen now have a deeper appreciation of the need to build partnerships. Of course we did not then go on to build those partnerships but I am happy that we have started the thought-process. The bowlers learnt that on these wickets there is little room for error. You just have to hit the spot correctly. I think that young Graeme Cremer has improved tremendously." Cremer, a right-arm legspinner, took six wickets in the two Tests, and while he was hammered for 86 from nine overs in the first match, he was far more economical in the second, conceding 106 runs from 26.5 overs.

Taibu also indicated that the experiences from this tour would help his team in the future. "This tour has shown us where we stand. I am sure that when we play the next Test we will play much better, because the boys know what they have to work on now." Zimbabwe's next Test series is in September, when they will host New Zealand.

Commenting on the shoulder injury he sustained while stretching to gather a ball on the second day, he said: "My shoulder is still sore. I got injured during the ICC tournament in London in September, and I have just played with it since then. Sometimes it feels sore, sometimes it's a bit better."