CRICKET: “If I didn’t believe I would not have returned”: Matsikenyeri

08 Oct, 2014 - 18:10 0 Views
CRICKET: “If I didn’t believe I would not have returned”: Matsikenyeri stuart matsikenyeri

The Sunday Mail

stuart matsikenyeri

Stuart Matsikenyeri

FORMER Zimbabwe national cricket batsman Stuart Matsikenyeri hopes to don the national cricket team jersey yet again as he seeks to revive his profession and finish his decade long career in style.

The 31-year-old, who last played for Zimbabwe in 2012, against New Zealand in Napier, joined the national team camp that is preparing for the tour of Bangladesh next week, said he had taken a break from the game due to personal reasons.

“I never retired in the first place, I took a break,” Matsikenyeri told The Sunday Mail after a session at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.

“Coming back was inevitable at some stage, I went away, and I have done a lot of learning.

“I have been playing some Premier League cricket in Johannesburg. Now I am available,” he said.

The former Mashonaland Eagles skipper said competition is healthy for the team to produce good results and he is ready to give it all if picked.

“It’s not going to be easy, the competition is quite good, (it is) also good to see a few youngsters that have come up from the U19s set up and they are asking some questions.

“Experience is something that counts on my side, but definitely it’s not going to be easy.

“I have always wanted to make positive contributions when it is tough.

“The team takes a lot of criticism but people have to realize the guys try,” he said.

Matsikenyeri made his ODI debut against Pakistan in Bulawayo in 2003 and a year later, he announced his entry into Test cricket with half a century runs against West Indies at Harare Sports Club.

But his talent and potential could not really blossom as expected, with the player averaging a paltry 23.40 in Tests and 22.05 in ODIs.

“I started really well with that fifty against West Indies but as a youngster coming into the team it was not a great thing to lose the senior guys…it was tough.

“However, no excuses…I played lots of cricket I should have made more runs, it is something that I look back and think what was happening there, but it is a game,” said Matsikenyeri who has never scored an international ton.

“If I didn’t believe then I wouldn’t make myself available,” he declared.

“Hundreds for any player at any level…everyone wants to get a hundred, but I think at this stage as a country winning is more important…should I get selected it will be my aim, to win games for my country.

He said he was glad to reunite with his old fellows and the potential of representing Zimbabwe again is something he values.

“The mere factor of playing for Zimbabwe is more important than personal achievements.

“Definitely, without any shadow of doubt, it means a lot to me…for any sportsman it’s an honor to play for your country.

He is optimistic Zimbabwe will handle the turning conditions of the Sub Continent.

“Spin is going to be a big thing in Bangladesh, it is their strength and they are going to use that

“The guys have been playing some nice cricket recently with the Tri-series, it is something they can take with confidence ahead of Bangladesh,” he said.

One of incumbent head coach Steve Mangongo’s products, the diminutive batsman said of his mentor:

“He is a tough man to work under, I am happy for him, he has come a long way to become coach the country and it’s a great achievement. He has produced a number of players.”

Meanwhile, the national team will do a fitness test on Thursday morning prior to their four-day practice match starting on Saturday in Triangle before concluding their preparations for Bangladesh.

The team leaves for Bangladesh next Thursday.

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