Matabeleland look to strongest ever bowling attack

Matabeleland expect to play the strongest pace bowling attack in their history in the forthcoming Logan Cup competition. They had five international pace bowlers in their original squad: Heath Streak, Henry Olonga, `Pommie' Mbangwa, John Rennie and Mluleki Nkala.

However, Henry Olonga has since withdrawn from the squad through injury. This was a disappointment, but was compensated for by the return of regular provincial wicket-keeper Warren Gilmour, after spending six months playing hockey in the United Kingdom. This was welcome news as without him the province had no capable keeper and were having to think of using as stand-ins either Charles Coventry (junior) or Stuart Walker, a teacher at Plumtree who has recently moved into town.

The absence of Olonga may well give a chance to Clement Mahachi, a 2000 Academy student just returned to his home province. Mahachi would give the pace attack variation, as he is a left-armer, and he is also a more than useful batsman. The decision may well be to play all five pacemen and also Ian Engelbrecht as a spinner. The provincial selectors will look at the options with captain Heath Streak when he returns from Australia.

The final Matabeleland team batting order could read: Ryan King, Charles Coventry, Mark Vermeulen, Neil van Rensburg, Heath Streak, Clement Mahachi, Mluleki Nkala, Warren Gilmour, John Rennie, Ian Engelbrecht and Pommie Mbangwa. It will be a side with strong all-round strength.

Two minor changes have been made to Matabeleland's Logan Cup programme. The opening match against Mashonaland A, beginning on 16 February, will be played at Alexandra Sports Club in Harare instead of at Harare Sports Club, while the match against Manicaland beginning on 2 March will take place at Bulawayo Athletic Club instead of on neutral ground at Alex.

It is a great boost to Bulawayo cricket to have Queens Sports Club in the national club knockout final, where they will oppose Old Hararians on 11 February.