Zimbabwe batting coach Grant Flower said on Saturday he is looking forward to a disciplined performance from his spinners in their opening World Cup match against Australia.
Published: Feb 20, 2011, 09:50 AM (IST)
Edited: Feb 20, 2011, 09:50 AM (IST)
Zimbabwean wicket-keeper Tatenda Taibu.
Ahmedabad: Feb 20, 2011
Zimbabwe batting coach Grant Flower said on Saturday he is looking forward to a disciplined performance from his spinners in their opening World Cup match against Australia.
“Our main strength is spin. There are a lot of good players of spin in the Australian side, so it will be a good test. Hopefully, we will bowl in the right areas,” Flower said ahead of Monday’s day-night clash.
Zimbabwe have a clutch of spinners, Raymond Price, Prosper Utseya and Graeme Cremer, who are capable of exerting pressure on batsmen with a tidy line and length.
Australia, aiming to win a fourth successive World Cup, struggled against spin on slow pitches, losing both of their warm-up matches against India and South Africa.
Although Zimbabwe lost a one-day series in Bangladesh recently, Flower said the experience was likely to be valuable.
“We have worked hard on our game (since the Bangladesh series) and they (batsmen and bowlers) are aware of what is needed in the sub-continent. The players are playing decent cricket. There is quite a bit of experience in the side and we are expecting some good things in the World Cup.”
Flower said his team needed to start the tournament strongly to gain confidence and momentum. “My advice to the team will be to keep a clear head and enjoy the moment. Don’t try to put too much pressure on yourself. Enjoy the challenge.”
Zimbabwe have won only one of their 27 one-day internationals against Australia, their victory coming at the 1983 World Cup in England.
News © AFP
Pictures © Getty Images
