Rhodesian cricketers facing tough match

The Rhodesian Currie Cup cricket team, which narrowly missed winning South Africa's premier provincial trophy for the first time last year, face a tough pipe-opener at the Queens Ground today when they meet Brian Close's International Wanderers.

The Rhodesians, brilliantly led by Mike Procter last season, must give a good performance over the next three days to gain the confidence they need for this year's Currie Cup competition.

Last year, they had an indifferent start, but once Springbok Procter took the helm, they matured into one of the country's best combinations. In fact, had international not been for such a poor start, they would certainly have won the Currie Cup.

As it was, a poor light decision in Johannesburg, which gave Transvaal victory over Eastern Province, robbed Rhodesia, and Transvaal secured the cup. But, warns Wanderers captain Brian Close, "Rhodesia won't have it easy." The Somerset captain, who also captained England in their three one-day `Tests' against the Australians this season, has been quoted as saying: "I always play it tough."

That's a warning in itself. And Close has the players to back his threats. Attacking batsmen will play a prominent role in his tactics against the nucleus of last year's Rhodesian team.

John Edrich and John Jameson are two attacking openers who like to get a move on. They have been playing on slow English wickets, but have piled on over 2000 runs between them in the past season. No doubt they'll relish the Queens track with its fast outfield.

Then there's always the chance that either Edrich or Jameson will stand down in the opening berth in favour of the talented New Zealander, Glenn Turner, who scored nearly 2400 runs in the 1970 season including 10 centuries. This season, he amassed 1700 runs, and it's more than likely he will face the new ball with Jameson.

After that trio, there are still Tony Greig, Close himself, Basil D'Oliveira, Norman Gifford and Mervyn Kitchen to come.

But, then, Rhodesia always have the advantage of tearaway Mike Procter to share the new ball with either the nippy Duncan Fletcher or the tantalizing Paddy Clift, who made such a sensational debut for his province last year after ousting Terry Bowes.

If these three bowlers can break through the top of the Wanderers' batting, and Richie Kaschula can pick up a few wickets, the Wanderers may be in trouble.

Should Rhodesia bat first, they also face a few problems, for although Garth McKenzie was dropped from the Australian team this English summer, he is still a force to be reckoned with. With over 200 Test wickets under his belt, there can be no doubt he'll probe the Rhodesian weaknesses with skill.

Peter Carlstein, Brian Davison, Stuart Robertson, Mike Procter, Brian Barbour and Martin Benkenstein have a heavy load on their shoulders. Apart from having to get their team off to a good start, they have to consolidate the positions in the team for the tough season that lies ahead.

Bulawayo has had two of the hottest September days in history - and the weatherman predicts fine conditions for the next three days, ensuring a large crowd at the Queens ground.