BY TINO MOMBESHORA
HARARE – Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) announced the three squads to face Ireland in the upcoming multi series, which includes a one off Test in Bulawayo, followed by the usual three ODIs and as many T20 internationals, in Harare.
It is sad to see that we still get many one-off Test or two-match match series played around the world.
Perhaps, if the proposed two-tier Test system falls into place, we might see the lower ranked nations engage each other in a series which by rights, and common sense, should at the very least have a three-Test match series.
This will be the second time Zimbabwe and Ireland meet in Tests, with Ireland winning the first encounter relatively comfortably last year in Belfast.
Looking ahead to the upcoming tour, ZC were pretty much on point with their Test squad, but made some questionable choices for the shorter formats.
The only questionable inclusion for the Test, is that of the desperately out of form Joylord Gumbie, who has struggled through out the 2024-25 season.
It is more than likely that Gumbie was selected purely on the basis of David Mutendera and his henchmen not wanting to concede to the critics, but for the sake of the team, as well as Gumbie’s lack of confidence, it would be best served if he didn’t play.
Although it was satisfying to see Nick Welch added to the squad, Nkosana Mpofu would surely feel very hard-done-by as he was yet again ignored by the selectors. Both Mpofu and Welch richly deserve call-ups to the squad ahead of the struggling duo of Gumbie and Takudzwanashe Kaitano.
If the selectors have their thinking caps on, a probable line-up for the Test should be: Ben Curran and Takudzwanashe Kaitano to open the batting, followed by Nick Welch, Sean Williams, Johnathan Campbell, Craig Ervine, wicketkeeper Nyasha Mayavo, then the bowlers.
You would have noted the exclusion of Brian Bennett in my preferred batting line-up, and eyebrows would undoubtedly have shot up in alarm and surprise.
As a pundit, I personally feel that as well as Bennett played in the first innings of the first Test against Afghanistan, scoring that maiden century, the pitch held no threat for anybody.
Bennett is a talent and a go-getter, of that there is no doubt, but Johnathan Campbell provides stability while still scoring freely, and at this moment in time has a better technique than the precocious Bennett.
The pitch at Queens Sports Club more often than not assists the spinners, provided a quality spinner is picked, and it is great to see the inclusion of the uncapped 27-year-old leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa, who has been amongst the wickets consistently for the last couple of domestic seasons.
Sadly though, this doesn’t necessarily reflect on the quality of upcoming spinners in Zimbabwe, as the majority of batters struggle against spin bowling.
If Zimbabwe opt to play three seamers, will the think-tank go for the experience of Victor Nyauchi, who had a good outing against the West Indies at the same venue in February 2023, or the exciting young talent of Newman Nyamhuri?
This would be my preferred line-up for the Test: Ben Curran, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Nick Welch, Sean Williams, Johnathan Campbell, Craig Ervine (c), Nyasha Mayavo (w/k), Vincent Masekesa, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Blessing Muzarabani.
The ODI and T20 squads are a bit disappointing with the omission of both Nick and Matt Welch.
The modern game requires a wicket-keeper who is not only able to hold up an end, but win games for the country. and Matt Welch, who is streets ahead of his brother Nick, should have been an automatic selection ahead of the struggling Tadiwanashe Marumani.
Both sides have plenty to prove, and selections and opinions aside, it should be a closely contested mouth-watering few weeks that await both Zimbabwean and Irish supporters alike.
*Tino Mombeshora is a writer, graphic artist and sports fan.
