Fresh squad gives Chigumbura hope

Elton Chigumbura, the Zimbabwe captain, insisted that his team is in good spirits despite the 3-0 loss in the Test series to Bangladesh and a resounding defeat in their lone practice match ahead of the five-ODI series.

The addition of four new players - Solomon Mire, Peter Moor, Neville Madziva and Timycen Maruma - has given the squad a fresh look, which Chigumbura feels will be handy. Malcolm Waller and Natsai M'shangwe, who were originally part of the squad for the ODIs, have gone back home. As have Wellington Masakadza and Brian Chari, who were around for the Tests.

"The morale is good," Chigumbura said. "The other guys from Zimbabwe joined us two days ago. They can't wait for the first game. They are still fresh and also it is now a new version. Everyone is looking forward to the first game tomorrow.

"We will be looking to start well. I know the Test matches didn't go the way we wanted to, but that's in the past now. We have to focus on these five games coming up. And [with] the new guys who came here, we are looking forward to the one-dayers.

Chigumbura's confidence stems from the fact that Zimbabwe do indeed play ODIs better than Tests. Their victory over Australia in August illustrated the strength of their fielding unit, and if the batting and bowling departments combine well, they can surprise top-flight teams.

"The guys are capable of producing good results in the one-day team," Chigumbura said. "We play more one-day cricket than Tests. It is a big chance now playing the one-day matches, close to the World Cup as well."

He was confident the toss wouldn't be vital, but the fact remains that the team that wins it in Chittagong would have an advantage considering the dew that could set in during the evening.

"At the end of the day, the team that wins puts more runs on the board," Chigumbura said. "Dew may be a factor but it comes down to skill and if you can bowl in those conditions, I don't think it will be a factor. At the end of the day it depends on the team that puts a better performance. With the dew factor, obviously the ball will skid more. It is about the skill now and also the day as to who is hungry enough to win the game."