Zimbabwe Cricket Report (1 October 1998)

1 October 1998

Zimbabwe Cricket Report

by John Ward

National coach Dave Houghton believes it was the return of pace bowler Eddo Brandes after injury and illness that did most to inspire Zimbabwe to their 37-run victory over India on Wednesday. The opening attack of Brandes and Streak gave the bowling the cutting edge it lacked in Bulawayo and did much to raise morale among the players.

Houghton says, "There is nothing worse than walking on to the field knowing you can't bowl the opposition out." This was the situation in Bulawayo, and Houghton feels it affected every aspect of their game. The batting struggled because the batsmen were under too much pressure in aiming to set unrealistic targets, knowing they did not have the firepower to bowl out the strong Indian batting line-up. Streak himself was under too much pressure, believing that he had to do the entire job himself.

Houghton backed up his argument by pointing out how the Indian batsmen in the third one-day international were able to boost their scoring once Brandes and Streak had to be rested by attacking the lesser pace of Pommy Mbangwa and Craig Evans. He did, however, pay tribute to leg-spinner Adam Huckle, who he said bowled very well under that pressure and looked more effective than Paul Strang had in the first match. The return of Brandes and Streak at the end finally put paid to India's chances.

Now that Brandes is back, Houghton is hopeful that he, Streak and Henry Olonga can play together in Test cricket as a effective strike force. Olonga has been bowling well so far this season, although his career in the past has been curtailed by injuries. When he is in form, he is the fastest bowler in the country, but he is often considered to be too erratic to be an ideal one-day bowler.

Source :: John Ward