Matabeleland cricket report

Matabeleland face Manicaland in their second Logan Cup fixture of the season at BAC in Bulawayo this weekend. However, the match is likely to be disrupted due to the present wet weather being experienced in the province. With the constant rains over the past two weeks the outfield is fairly wet but should drain quickly to allow the match to be played without much disruption.

The national captain Heath Streak is still not available, as he requires more rest for his troublesome knee and is only likely to play in the next Logan Cup fixture in two weeks' time as a batsman. The team shows one change from the previous match, John Rennie being unavailable due to business commitments.

The promising young all-rounder Greg Strydom has been drafted into the 12-man squad and could well earn his first cap as the batting line-up needs bolstering. Strydom plays for Queens Sports Club, who narrowly lost the national league final to old Hararians. He bowls right-arm medium and is a good right-hand batsman who relishes in playing strokes in front of the wicket.

There is likely to be a change in captaincy with Mpumelelo (Pommie) Mbangwa, the former Test player, taking over from young Mark Vermeulen.

Not much is known from the Manicaland side except it is likely to be a young side with up-and-coming players mixing with the Academy players from last year and being led by Mark Burmester.

Biography - Strydom
GREGORY MARK STRYDOM
D.O.B. 26/03/1984 - PRETORIA
SCHOOLS - BIRCHACRES PRIMARY SCHOOL - SOUTH AFRICA
JEPPE HIGH SCHOOL - SOUTH AFRICA
FALCON COLLEGE
TAZITA COLLEGE
RHB RMP
CLUB: QUEENS SPORTS CLUB.