Zimbabwe: Letters

THE ZIMBABWE SLIDE

Zimbabwe has been a one-man team ever since Dave Houghton retired. It appears imminent that after this World Cup, there will be no one. Andy Flower has been the talisman for so long, it should be no surprise that his exit will place Zimbabwe amongst Kenya, Holland and Papua New Guinea. To compare Zimbabwe with Bangladesh is downright insulting to the Asians. At least they have a cricketing culture, and will, yes will, improve and develop.

Zimbabwe cricket has been going downwards ever since 1983. Compare the current side with the last World Cup squad, and then the 1992 squad, and then the 1987 squad, etc. Perhaps this is another example of the evils of colonialism. Zimbabwean cricketers are, I am now convinced (after years of denial) totally out of their depth, and sinking further by the minute. I suggest a forum be held for the four editions of March. The title of the subject should be:

Should Zimbabwe lose their Test status, and become recognized as a one-day side instead?

I will be only too willing to participate in that discussion.

Phil Garland (Australia)

Reply: What do other readers have to say on this subject?

After watching Zimbabwe last night over here [against India] I can see why you get so frustrated. At times the only thing you can describe the bowling as was appalling. As I hadn't actually seen Zimbabwe play on tv for quite some time I didn't realize just how ordinary some of the players are. The majority of the team would struggle to play first-grade club cricket over here.

I still support them wholeheartedly though and really hope they can beat Pakistan (they are no chance against Australia) and scrape into the last six. Even if this occurs I can't see them going much further.

I feel I must comment on the state of the ground. The commentators (Sanjay Manjrekar in particular) were saying it is without doubt the best outfield in the world and it is hard to disagree from what I saw. It really is an outstanding picturesque ground and really should receive more world coverage (that was the first time I have ever seen a live game from Zimbabwe). One of my ambitions is to get over there and go to Harare Sports Club and Queens in Bulawayo to see the grounds for myself. They put some of the grounds over here to shame.

Michael Shepherd (Australia)