The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi
THE recalled trio of Malcolm Waller, Richmond Mutumbami and Taurai Muzarabani appreciates that the forthcoming tour of Pakistan could be their last chance saloon. The three were included in the Zimbabwe national cricket team to face Pakistan in a five-match series that begins next Sunday and features two T20s and three ODIs at Harare Sports Club.
Waller, Mutumbami and Muzarabani have all flirted with the nation team before and have all struggled to make a mark in national colours.
Waller has worked hard on his game over the past couple of months and feels in great shape ahead of the series against Pakistan.
“If the chance comes I have to do my best and get some runs,” he said.
“(I am) Very geared up for the challenge I had a nice tournament down south in that T20 tournament and I am looking forward to playing against Pakistan should I get the chance.
“I have put in a lot of work over the past months and tried to improve on my confidence and be a lot more positive.”
The 30-year old Waller showed signs of returning to form, posting an unbeaten 48 and 36 as he captained the President’s XI at the recent Africa Cup tournament in South Africa
The tournament also saw good performances by the duo of Mutumbami and Muzarabani.
The former scored 20 not out and 36 during the Africa Cup while latter shone with the ball, delivering some frugal spells.
Mutumbami, who also missed out on selection during the New Zealand series, is under no illusion either.
“Every opportunity is important, there is no difference,” he said.
“When you get it the most important thing is to be yourself and perform the best way possible.”
There has been talk of Mutumbami partnering Chamu Chibhabha as an opener and by the look of last week’s net sessions ‘Richie’ might be promoted up the order.
“It’s just talk but either way I am a batsman I have to deliver and bat in any position.
“I didn’t change much, but I just had to add more scoring options to my batting and back myself a bit more.
“Any player can perform if given a fair good run of playing time. I will just do my best and see how far I will get,” said the 26-year-old wicket-keeper.
For Muzarabani, who has been included in the ODI squad for the first time after his initial international debut in the T20 match against India in July, it’s all about learning.
“It’s a great opportunity to make the final squad and I hope to make use of the opportunity if I get the chance to play,” Muzarabani said.
“Right now I am taking every opportunity as it comes, learning every-day and working very hard to improve my skills.”
Meanwhile, the Chevrons last week took some time off their training sessions for a three-day team bonding camp at Antelope Park in Gweru.
Zimbabwe Squad
Elton Chigumbura (Captain),Sikandar Raza Butt,Chamunorwa Chibhabha,Graeme Cremer,Craig Ervine,Luke Jongwe,Neville Madziva,Hamilton Masakadza,Christopher Mpofu,Richmond Mutumbami (W/keeper),Taurai Muzarabani,John Nyumbu,Tinashe Panyangara ,Prosper Utseya,Malcolm Waller Sean Williams
