Slow opening day in field for Zimbabweans

The Zimbabwean tourists began their first-class programme with an aggressive bowling performance against Canterbury at Jade Stadium today. Canterbury closed on 185 for 4 in 90 overs, making for a slow, inconclusive start.

Stand in skipper Guy Whittall put the home side in after Heath Streak withdrew ill before the start. What always promised to be a long day's fielding practice began with Robbie Frew and season debutant, Harley James seeing off the new ball, surprisingly taken by 33 year old Zimbabwe newcomer, Angus Mackay.

When James, who hit a 50 on his previous first class outing against the same opposition 2 seasons ago, eventually fell, 75 had been added in slow, but steady fashion. Henry Olonga, much the fastest of the Zimbabwean bowlers, had him lbw, during a lively spell, following an erratic mixture of bouncers and no balls.

At lunch, on 78-1 Canterbury's internationals still had not been seen. Astle, whom the national selectors had persuaded Canterbury to play, did not reach the crease until 48 minutes from the close, while Gary Stead, unwanted by his country, batted at six rather than the opening position where he has been so successful this season. Canterbury coach, Garry MacDonald, used his authority to play Stead in the best position for the team. Despite this, it was odd that Hamish Barton and Marcel McKenzie, both playing for their cricketing lives, were left without a senior partner.

Leg spinner Brian Murphy bowled a long containing spell, complimented by Mackay's endless stream of short pitchers from the Hadlee Stand end, which gave Barton a bit of a work over. Frew had gone not long after a rain delayed resumption, tamely giving left armer Bryan Strang a return catch after a neat 44.

Barton batted for 150 balls, hitting nine fours and 12 singles in his 48. Both he and McKenzie, after adding 71 for the third wicket in 34 overs before and after tea, fell to the new ball, taken by the fiery Olonga and steady Strang. Olonga found the edge with his extra pace with the very first delivery after Whittall took the cherry, right on 80 overs. McKenzie fell on the same score.

Astle and Stead batted out the day, finally adding some class to what had been a grind for the meagre crowd, enlivened only by the Zimbabwean zest of Olonga and Mackay.