brmtaylor.com , I suppose I am overly harsh on Taylor with regard to his keeping. Afterall he hasn't really disappointed in all his showings - he's performed acceptably actually, and that's something I acknowledge without examining the stats you point to. What I've witnessed is sufficient evidence of that. However, when it comes to his fielding I'd still say he deserves none of our consideration!
Critical observation - the current Selection&Coaching team wouldn't have slotted Chakabva into the team if they were comfortable with Taylor as a wicketkeeper or even considered him as a longterm or parttime option. I believe Taylor, along with his batting, should focus on his off-breaks as well (& fielding of course). Let's not fool ourselves, this is Test level and we are not certain that he will be consistent as a batsman (opener). Competition among our batters is very high so if he can provide tight & consistent bowling displays with the odd breaking of partnerships he will have an edge over the other batsmen competing for places in the team.
When I responded to this post I focused on our Test keeping options. In putting forward options for all three formats I'll go with:
Tests: Taibu; Mutizwa (Reserve)
ODIs: Taibu; Coventry (Reserve - but in as a batsman regardless)
T20s: Coventry; Taylor (Reserve - but in as a batsman regardless)
Zim A/XI FC & ListA: Mutizwa; Chakabva (Reserve)
Mutizwa deserves it, he has backed up his case for far too long. Further to that he has leadership abilities which indicates maturity&responsibility, so he won't be overawed much by the occasion. But due to the presence of Coventry, I will only consider him for Tests - which Coventry, no matter what anybody says - is clearly unfit for. However Coventry is class and he gets my nod for T20s, for which Taibu must be overlooked, but will be in reserve for Taibu in the ODIs. Chakabva can continue to be an understudy for Mutizwa in all forms of our A & XI matches. Let him prove his case beyond doubt like the Chataras, Nicholsons, Jarvises & Wallers have to!! I'm not one who appreciates double standards - there must be a reasonable hierarchy and a consistent formula to selection.
Discussion
Our Reserve Keeper
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Jemisi wrote:Which player do you believe should be our reserve keeper?
Assuming that Taibu is the first choice, who would be the best option if he dramatically loses form or is injured?
Do you think Taylor is the best option? Obviously he would stand in to cover an in-match injury to Taibu, but is he the best option as a reserve considering his opening role?
The best choice may be different over the three forms of the game as well.
Mutizwa
What does this guy have to do to get a crack at the main side ?
Is he MDC?
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Jemisi wrote:From Taylor's recent interview, it seems that he thinks he should be the reserve keeper for Taibu.
This has always seemed logical to me. If Taibu is out of the team, then the next best batsman should replace him. If that batsman happens to be a Chakabva or a Mutizwa, then no worries - if it is more suitable for them to keep wicket then let it happen.
But if, say, Waller was the next in line then clearly, as he has stated that he is comfortable to do so, Taylor should take the gloves. It would defy logic for a wicket keeper to be brought into the team for the hell of it, over a more deserving player, when there is a perfectly capable international quality wicket keeper already in the team.
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brmtaylor.com admin wrote:This has always seemed logical to me. If Taibu is out of the team, then the next best batsman should replace him. If that batsman happens to be a Chakabva or a Mutizwa, then no worries - if it is more suitable for them to keep wicket then let it happen. But if, say, Waller was the next in line then clearly, as he has stated that he is comfortable to do so, Taylor should take the gloves. It would defy logic for a wicket keeper to be brought into the team for the hell of it, over a more deserving player, when there is a perfectly capable international quality wicket keeper already in the team.
I agree with this
Zimfanatic69 wrote: Mutizwa - What does this guy have to do to get a crack at the main side ? Is he MDC?
Conspiracy theory!!! Which MDC, T, N, M, 99
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ShareZimbabwe's big problem is during the recent Aussie series it looked like the selectors were grooming Regis to be the reserve keeper. Unfortunately it was prove in the series that his glove work was not up to the standard and a reserve keeper will still have to be found. Regis has shown though he is capable with the bat and I feel he will only lose out the middle order batting position to Ervine in the Bangladesh series because Zimbabwe need a left hander to combat Bangladesh Left hand spin.
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