The Sunday Mail
NATIONAL cricket team coach Steve Mangongo has warned returning batsmen Craig Ervine and Greg Lamb against expecting a smooth passage back into national team colours.
The pair ended their self-imposed exile from the game last week and are part of the training squad that is preparing for the forthcoming tour of Bangladesh.
Ervine and Lamb’s return has, however, raised eyebrows as it comes just a few months before the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
However, that is the least of Mangongo’s worries with the coach highlighting that the pair’s return is healthy for the national team.
“Every player who plays cricket and wants to play for this country is part of my plans. These guys have shown interest that they want to come back and play, it’s good for cricket,” he said.
“Their availability will increase competition and add depth as well. Lamb has a lot of experience. Ervine, before leaving Zimbabwe, was one of our best ODI players, so it’s good to have such kind of cricketers back.
“Whether they are here for the World Cup or the season, they need to show that they are worth of a place in the national team.
“If they fight for their places and they are good enough they will play.”
Although Mangongo has stated that the duo is not guaranteed an automatic return into the squad, the team’s middle order struggles might prompt the respected coach to turn to the pair sooner than expected.
Speaking on the sidelines of last Thursday’s workout at Harare Sports Club, Ervine disclosed that he is yearning to play international cricket again.
“I think the World Cup is always an attraction for any player, but for me it’s more about the opportunity of being able to play international cricket, whether the World Cup is there or not,” he said.
“My dream has always been to play cricket so it’s always nice playing and living your dream.
“I am ready to fight for my place, with a few more guys coming back it raises the standard of the other guys in the squad,” he said.
The 29-year-old left-handed middle order batsman made an impressive entry into international cricket, striking an unbeaten 67 that guided Zimbabwe to a famous 6-wicket ODI victory over India at Queens Sports Club in 2010.
He Test debuted in Zimbabwe’s historic comeback triumph over Bangladesh in 2011 after the country’s six-year self-imposed exile.
Lamb is also not under any illusions.
“It is good to be back, I am making sure that I am fit and am enjoying the experience,” he said.
“I was working at a local company and thought very little about cricket, but after speaking to the other guys I changed my mind.
“Absolutely, I have to earn my place; I have to show that I still have the touch.
“We have an important series coming up in Bangladesh and it would be good to be part of the team,” said the 33-year-old.
Meanwhile, South African coach Justin Summons will assist the senior team on playing and bowling spin in what has been dubbed a “spin camp” from today till Thursday at Harare Sports Club.
