Pressure on West Indies to bounce back
John Ward - Cricinfo
Whether Zimbabwe's brave display in the first Test at Harare can inspire them to something similar, or greater, at Bulawayo, or if West Indies, like a slumbering giant, awake from any complacency and wreak vengeance, the second Test, which starts tomorrow, promises to be just as absorbing.
The Zimbabwe players were deeply disappointed not to take that elusive last wicket at Harare and record what would have been only their eighth victory. Three of those wins were against Bangladesh, two against India, and two against Pakistan. But their dejection was eased with the knowledge that they had risen above themselves and were in a position where they were the only team with a chance of winning.
Gus Logie, the West Indies coach, said he was not surprised by Zimbabwe's performance after their good showing in Australia, but was more startled that his own team played so badly. Certainly the first day of the series was a very poor advertisement for Test cricket, with West Indies bowling erratically and Zimbabwe's top order matching mediocrity with irresponsible batting. But both teams improved after that, with Zimbabwe surprising most people by showing more willpower than their opponents.
The Harare pitch was a good one, remaining true for the batsmen, as well as taking spin early on. Bulawayo has more of a reputation for spin than Harare, a factor which may influence West Indies' selection. However, they do not have a spinner in the same class as Ray Price, even though Zimbabwe lack a worthy partner for him. Legspinners Paul Strang (injury), Adam Huckle (retired in a huff) and Brian Murphy (discouraged and left for South Africa) have all gone when they all should be in their prime.
West Indies have yet to announce their team. The injured Jerome Taylor will undergo a fitness test today and even though he has not been ruled out, it would be a gamble to play him. Mervyn Dillon and Ravi Rampaul could replace him, unless they decide to go for Marlon Samuels, the batsman who can bowl a bit, in an effort to bolster their spin attack. But that would leave them with just three front-line bowlers, so another specialist bowler is likely to be chosen.
Geoff Marsh, Zimbabwe's coach, said that Zimbabwe have kept the same 12 players from the first Test. That means that the inexperienced Jordane Nicolle will be twelfth man again, unless someone injures themselves in the notorious pre-match warm-ups, a problem that has hit Zimbabwe all too often in the past.
Marsh was understandably happy with the number of positives which came out of the last Test, with the form of Stuart Matsikenyeri high on his list. Matsikenyeri has yet to score a first-class century, but he nearly became the first Zimbabwean to score twin fifties on his Test debut had it not been for the second innings declaration when he was on 46.
Vusi Sibanda, however, has more to prove. Shoved into the side on promise rather than record, he needs to show that he can build an innings at the top level. Mark Vermeulen needs a good game, while Trevor Gripper and Craig Wishart need to demonstrate their ability to build big innings against senior countries.
For West Indies, their trump card is Brian Lara, who should demand more responsible batting from others in the top order. It may well be that the bowlers from both sides will have a great deal of work to do again.
Despite Zimbabwe's revival at Harare, West Indies must again be favourites at Bulawayo, but the pressure is on them to win. If their players underestimated Zimbabwe before, they surely won't make the same mistake again.
Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Trevor Gripper, 2 Vusi Sibanda, 3 Mark Vermeulen, 4 Stuart Carlisle, 5 Craig Wishart, 6 Stuart Matsikenyeri, 7 Tatenda Taibu (wk), 8 Heath Streak (capt), 9 Andy Blignaut, 10 Raymond Price, 11 Blessing Mahwire.
West Indies (probable): 1 Chris Gayle, 2 Wavell Hinds, 3 Daren Ganga, 4 Ramnaresh Sarwan, 5 Brian Lara (capt), 6 Shivnarine Chanderpaul, 7 Ridley Jacobs (wk), 8 Vasbert Drakes, 9 Jerome Taylor, 10 Corey Collymore, 11 Fidel Edwards
Windies v. Zimbabwe - 2nd. Test
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couragous cloke
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