The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi – Sports Reporter
THE visiting Australia cricket team are enjoying their stay in Zimbabwe as they take part in a Triangular One-day International series that also features South Africa.
Coach Darren Lehman and skipper Michael Clarke touched down at Harare International Airport with good memories of their last visit to Zimbabwe in 2004.
It was a memorable tour for the duo as Clarke went on to score his first international century while Lehman claimed career-best bowling figures of 4 for 7.
At his first Press conference for the ongoing triangular series, Lehman said: “I remember getting 4/7 somewhere, I don’t know how I did that . . . it’s always good to be playing around the world, we have got to grow the game, that’s why we are here obviously.”
The Aussie coach said playing cricket, and not the abrasive politics between the two countries, was their main goal.
“We are not playing politics; obviously we are here to play the sport and grow the game that’s really important for us as we are custodians of the game . . . we have to make sure it’s growing worldwide,” he said.
Mitchell Johnson also will not forget Zimbabwe, where he hit a huge six that shattered the commentary box window at Harare Sports Club.
And now an unlikely player has challenged Johnson’s maximum claim.
Nathan Lyon argues he hit a bigger six, off South Africa’s Rory Kleinveldt, during a triangular series for the A sides in 2011.
“Everyone is talking how far Mitch hit his (6), but I hit mine about 30 miles more. It’s not TV record, but you can ask a few guys Mitchell Starc, Phil Hughes, Mitchell Marsh (sic).”
He added: “Zimbabwe has been very good, all the boys have really enjoyed being over here and we are happy the pre season is over and it’s back to cricket. We start running laps and start bowling some cricket balls, that’s the more exciting thing.”
Meanwhile, Mitchell Marsh, son of former Zimbabwe coach Geoff, last week told Espncricifo that Zimbabwe is “almost” his second home.
“Yeah, I’ve got a few good memories,” he said. “I’ve also been here the last couple of years with the Australia A team, so it’s almost my second home now.
“I’ve almost played more cricket here than the WACA, so it’s great to be back here.
“It’s a beautiful country and we’ve all said that if we can get a couple of days off and get out and see it, it would be great for the guys who haven’t been here before.”
More memories could be made as the day series heads for its climax next weekend.
