Test Team vs Sri Lanka

Why do people still think Burl is a number 7..? The guy's a top order batter and a ten times better than Chakabva.

ZIMFAN wrote: ↑Sat Dec 21, 2019 2:05 pm

My logic was this. They will find a way to get Regi in the team. He is maybe not the best keeper but you may not want to put too much on BT. He is solid so maybe could open, a position we are short in.

Who would you swap him with Sloan in the top 6? I mean if you are going to get your knickers in a knot about it fine. He can bat 3/4/5/6 and drop everyone down one!

I'm not so much as getting my knickers in a twist about it mate, more that we have a guy like Ryan Burl who averages 43 in 20 FC games in the top order, and yet people still perceive him that his success rate is going to be higher down the order, when i don't think it will.

We've been crying out for a solid test opener for god knows how long and I just think there's worse people to try out than Burl.

I'd literally make a straight swap. Burl to open, Regi further down with the gloves.

ZIMFAN wrote: ↑Sat Dec 21, 2019 2:05 pm

My logic was this. They will find a way to get Regi in the team. He is maybe not the best keeper but you may not want to put too much on BT. He is solid so maybe could open, a position we are short in.

Who would you swap him with Sloan in the top 6? I mean if you are going to get your knickers in a knot about it fine. He can bat 3/4/5/6 and drop everyone down one!

But your logic falls over in the sense Regis will now have too much on him. Going from keeping to opener with no rest.

He may not be as good a talent as BT but as a human it’ll be tough to do when he’s fighting for his place.

At least it’s something that could be considered.

We do have an openers problem. I don’t think BT is the answer as he was killing it at number 4 and he’s very susceptibile early on because of his feet being stiff.

I’ll be watching Chari closely in the domestic scene.

ZIMFAN wrote: ↑Sat Dec 21, 2019 2:50 pm

But your logic falls over in the sense Regis will now have too much on him. Going from keeping to opener with no rest.

He may not be as good a talent as BT but as a human it’ll be tough to do when he’s fighting for his place.

At least it’s something that could be considered.

We do have an openers problem. I don’t think BT is the answer as he was killing it at number 4 and he’s very susceptibile early on because of his feet being stiff.

I’ll be watching Chari closely in the domestic scene.

No Dogg, I want BT at 4 and keeping. Regis plays, in this scenario, as an opener only. We do have an openers issue and agree on Chari.

Understood. Apologies.

Still plenty of water to go under the bridge at this stage, I’d say there are a few ‘locks’ at this stage but at least six spots still up for grabs.

If Burl wants to make the Test team he’s going the wrong way about it, taking part in the BPL whilst the Logan Cup has kicked off isn’t really helping his cause. I understand the money side of things but you can’t have it both ways.

The pitch is will determine whether or not they go with a four man pace attack, if not Chisoro would have to be picked as the spinner IMO.

Guys, are Raza's issues with the board resolved and will he be in the reckoning for the test squad?

sam_ahm wrote: ↑Sun Dec 22, 2019 6:52 am

Guys, are Raza's issues with the board resolved and will he be in the reckoning for the test squad?

I was thinking about that actually, I guess he’s not a lock for the series at this point. If he plays for the Tuskers in the next month or so leading up to the series you’d think that means yes.

TapsC wrote: ↑Sun Dec 22, 2019 1:07 pm

https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/prince-wan ... he-big-one

Looks like Masvaure is gunning for that opening spot too. 2 more rounds before the squad is announced. Burl Raza and BT haven't even played yet

Great to see the nice happy family pic there!

For me, it is essentially now this:

? (Masvaure / Kamunhukamwe / Kasuza)

? (Moor the likeliest)

Ervine

Taylor

Williams (C)

? (Raza the likeliest)

Regis (WK)

? (Tiripano / Madziva)

Jarvis

Mumba

Chatara

I'd go with Williams as captain across formats as I had already called for it soon after Hamilton's retirement.

Mumba is a must if he is fit and raring to go. Hope whatever kept Chatara away from bowling in the latest Logan Cup match is not too serious and he can be back for the SL tests. A bowling attack without Chatara would be a disaster when it comes to claiming 20 wickets.

4th bowler: I agree that we need to go for a greentop and have a 4 pronged pace attack + Williams & Raza. If we need to play a spinner, yes, Chisoro must be the first choice. Mavuta seems to have regressed quite massively, and Wellington isn't doing any better too. Roy Kaia could start putting his hand up if he continues as consistently as he has started this season. Sadly, his batting seems to be deserting him for now. So, for the 4 pronged pace attack, I'm very tempted to go with Madziva ahead of Tiripano.

Opening spot: I'd go with Moor for one of the spots as his show of grit in this format has been very admirable. The other spot is a tossup between Masvaure, Kamu and Kasuza for me, unless Chari can turn it around massively before the squad announcement.

If Raza and Burl don't play domestically, it would be difficult to gauge their red ball form. Burl in particular hasn't bolted his spot in the playing XI, so he must be making every effort to come back, open and catch the selectors' eyes.

Regis as keeper in this format is pretty much undisputed for me. He is the best choice we have all things considered.

CrimsonAvenger wrote: ↑Sun Dec 22, 2019 2:31 pm

For me, it is essentially now this:

? (Masvaure / Kamunhukamwe / Kasuza)

? (Moor the likeliest)

Ervine

Taylor

Williams (C)

? (Raza the likeliest)

Regis (WK)

? (Tiripano / Madziva)

Jarvis

Mumba

Chatara

I'd go with Williams as captain across formats as I had already called for it soon after Hamilton's retirement.

Mumba is a must if he is fit and raring to go. Hope whatever kept Chatara away from bowling in the latest Logan Cup match is not too serious and he can be back for the SL tests. A bowling attack without Chatara would be a disaster when it comes to claiming 20 wickets.

4th bowler: I agree that we need to go for a greentop and have a 4 pronged pace attack + Williams & Raza. If we need to play a spinner, yes, Chisoro must be the first choice. Mavuta seems to have regressed quite massively, and Wellington isn't doing any better too. Roy Kaia could start putting his hand up if he continues as consistently as he has started this season. Sadly, his batting seems to be deserting him for now. So, for the 4 pronged pace attack, I'm very tempted to go with Madziva ahead of Tiripano.

Opening spot: I'd go with Moor for one of the spots as his show of grit in this format has been very admirable. The other spot is a tossup between Masvaure, Kamu and Kasuza for me, unless Chari can turn it around massively before the squad announcement.

If Raza and Burl don't play domestically, it would be difficult to gauge their red ball form. Burl in particular hasn't bolted his spot in the playing XI, so he must be making every effort to come back, open and catch the selectors' eyes.

Regis as keeper in this format is pretty much undisputed for me. He is the best choice we have all things considered.

Yes well put CA I agree with everything you put there, Moor & Chari are probably the front runners to open, but they both need runs with Prince & Kasuza leading the way.

Raza is the interesting one depending on his ‘standing’ with ZC, they’ll need him if they want any chance to win. Unless Burl leaves the BPL now to play next round he can’t be picked, he hasn’t played a 1st class game in God knows how long considering he missed the Logan Cup last year.

I have missed our Name your XI threads. Good to have some cricket in the near future to talk about.

eugene wrote: ↑Mon Dec 23, 2019 1:51 am

I have missed our Name your XI threads. Good to have some cricket in the near future to talk about.

The XI I'm looking forward to is... well, we are close to that time of the year where eugene's ZCF XI would be out :D

I think I'd give Kasuza a run. If he can make another couple of scores.

He is 26. He has a good amount of experience.

CrimsonAvenger wrote: ↑Mon Dec 23, 2019 2:29 am

eugene wrote: ↑Mon Dec 23, 2019 1:51 am

I have missed our Name your XI threads. Good to have some cricket in the near future to talk about.

The XI I'm looking forward to is... well, we are close to that time of the year where eugene's ZCF XI would be out :D

Can we look forward to the ZCF Team of the decade ?