Leters
When are the Zimbabwean top order going to push on with bigger scores
John Ward
25-Nov-2002
FRUSTRATION
When are the Zimbabwean top order going to push on with bigger scores? There are just too many players reaching 40, 50, 60 and relaxing (maybe thinking their job is done!!) and getting out. Good players push on and make no excuses, so perhaps this is the reason so many Zimbabwean batsmen average 30 and below in Test cricket. They simply make too many scores where they have done the hard work and fail to push on further.
It is just so frustrating to see players who clearly have ability (they wouldn't consistently make these scores if they didn't) not fulfilling their talent simply because of a failure of concentration and confidence (this can be the only explanation). All of the Zimbabwean batsmen should be averaging AT LEAST in the mid to high thirties or they probably shouldn't be playing at Test match level.
Also what are the selectors doing? Why isn't Craig Evans being considered for selection? He is obviously the form batsman in the first-class competition. Recently Australia selected Darren Lehmann for the first Test against England; he is 32, the same age as Evans. Age should be no barrier to selection, particularly if the runs are on the board.
Marty Lauritsen (Western Australia)
ROCK BOTTOM
As a passionate Zim Cricket Fanatic I take comfort from the fact that when you are this down at least you know that there's only one other way to go.
Anale Bango (Scotland)