The Sunday Mail
Deputy Sports Editor
AMID the gloom brought by the uncertainty of their future tours, there was something to cheer the Zimbabwe cricket team last week when news filtered through that coach Lalchand Rajput had committed himself to return to the Chevrons.
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, India have cancelled their tour to Zimbabwe, while Afghanistan’s visit and the Chevrons tour to Australia are yet to finalised.
However, revelations that Rajput, who had been linked with a move to Nepal, is coming back lifted the Chevrons’ spirit as they returned to training after undergoing Covid-19 tests, which they all passed.
“I am contracted with the ZC board until September 2021, and have no intention to leave before that.
“I have a contractual obligation and I abide by that,” the 58-year-old gaffer was quoted saying, via a Zimbabwe Cricket statement.
Rajput has been in his native India since March, when governments across the world imposed lockdown restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In his absence, the Chevrons unit returned to training last week, albeit from their different bases in Bulawayo, Masvingo and Harare under the watchful eye of Njabulo Ncube, Shepherd Makunura and Stuart Matsikenyeri, respectively.
Despite so much uncertainty surrounding Rajput’s status at the time and questions hanging over the Afghanistan and Australia tours, the players appeared to be in high spirits and were just happy to be back on the field of play.
Two players in particular — Brendan Taylor and Kyle Jarvis — appeared happier than most.
For the 34-year-old wicketkeeper/batsman, Taylor, it was a classic case of missing the technical aspects of the game.
“It is good to be back,” said Taylor.
“We are still going through our paces, testing our fitness levels and stuff, but it was nice to see the guys again and catch up.
“It is a great feeling to be able to dust off the cobwebs again, get out there and get some work in,” he said.
On his lockdown experiences, Taylor said: “We have had some training programmes that we had to adhere to, but it was the technical aspects of the game that I missed the most.
“I did try to stay fit, run around the backyard, try a little gardening, jog a lot and try (to) get the kids involved a little,” he said.
Jarvis, on the other hand, appears to have received the brunt of the lay-off.
The 31-year-old pace bowler has been on the sidelines since January, having missed the Bangladesh tour due to injury.
“After a long, long time, it is good to be back on the field, see all my teammates and be back on the field again.
“For me, it has been a little longer. I got injured in January, missed the Bangladesh tour and then the virus hit.
“Now, I am fit again and ready to play,” Jarvis said.
Being on the sidelines for roughly six or so months, Jarvis’ experiences differ from those of most of his teammates.
“It was more about resting initially, and it took about two months for my back (injury) to get better,” said the seam bowler.
“I started training, in my own capacity, about two months ago, spent a lot of the time at home and used that time to further my studies.
“I am doing some property development courses, and I have already finished the first modules,” he said.
Despite their two unique cases, the two, together with the rest of the team, are united in their eagerness to get back to business and play some cricket again.
In the case of Jarvis, he just wants to play.
“Any cricket will be great, it doesn’t matter if it is Afghanistan, Australia, or both,” he said.
Taylor is keeping his eye on Australia.
“It is frustrating that India have now pulled out owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, but these are things one cannot control.
“All one can do is to pitch up every day, put in the work, prepare as best possible and hope for the best.
“If it doesn’t happen, I will understand, but Australia is a big tour for us and everyone is excited.
“It is every player’s goal to pit themselves against the very best, and Australia are one of the top sides.
“Playing them any time is a big deal, but playing them in Australia is something to look forward to.
“Hopefully, that tour will go ahead,” Taylor said.
