Published: Aug 24, 2014, 06:28 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 24, 2014, 06:49 PM (IST)
By R Vishal
Aug 24, 2014
More than 10 years have passed since Australia visited Zimbabwe. A lot of water has flown under the bridge since then. The ruthless winning machine with a win-at-all-costs ethos has dismantled completely. Darren Lehmann, who was a player in 2004 is now the Australian coach. It must be said that Lehmann hasn’t changed a bit from the portly, intimidating figure that he was as a player.
Zimbabwe, on the other hand were just smarting from a mass exodus of a mercurial group of players that took place in the months after the 2003 World Cup. The cricketing affairs in the South African nation only deteriorated since then which saw them hit rock bottom in the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings. For years Zimbabwe were playing the top nations sporadically. However, with ICC promising structural changes keeping the smaller nations in mind, Zimbabwe will get opportunities to go through the grind against the top dogs.
Zimbabwe played a three match bilateral series recently against neighbours South Africa, who played a near full-strength team. Zimbabwe, however, were anything but pushovers and had quite a few good spells, despite losing the series 0-3. The hosts have a big squad, packed with many rookies who are still finding their feet in international cricket.
The experienced group of batsmen — Elton Chigumbura, Brendon Taylor, Hamilton Masakadza and all-rounder Sean Williams need to steer the ship. With news coming earlier in the week with off-spinner Prosper Utseya reported for bowling with a suspect action, coach Stephen Mangongo needs to make sure he brings some stability in the side by persisting with a trusted playing XI. Over 16 players were used against South Africa.
Every step that Australia make right now will be with an eye on winning back the World Cup on home soil come March 2015. Michael Clarke’s availability for the game still remains uncertain. Even if Clarke sits out, Australia’s formidable look should stay intact. George Bailey has proved to be an equally able leader over the last 24 months. Familiar faces Mitchell Marsh and Phil Hughes, who was in Bradman-esque form recently, make comebacks. It remains to be seen if Kane Richardson will earn his second cap. Australia last played an ODI in January and a lack of match practise will be the only major issue going into the game.
Squads:
Zimbabwe: Elton Chigumbura (c), Brendan Taylor, Hamilton Masakadza, Vusimuzi Sibanda, Sean Williams, Richmond Mutumbami, Luke Jongwe, Malcolm Waller, Prosper Utseya, John Nyumbu, Shingirai Masakadza, Timycen Maruma, Neville Madziva, Sikandar Raza Butt, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Brian Vitori, Tinashe Panyangara, Donald Tiripano, Tendai Chatara.
Australia: Michael Clarke (c),Aaron Finch, George Bailey, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, James Faulkner,Brad Haddin, Phil Hughes, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Ben Cutting, Kane Richardson, Mitchell Starc.
Time: 09:30 local | 13:00 IST
(R Vishal is a journalist and alumnus of Asian College of Journalism. He can be followed on Twitter @vishhell)
