The Sunday Mail
Deputy Sports Editor
STUCK on the outside, looking in!
That, in a nutshell, sums up the predicament that the Zimbabwe trio of Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Craig Ervine and, Brendan Taylor currently find themselves in as the Chevrons prepare to begin their two Tests and three Twenty20 series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates.
The series begins with the first of two Tests on Tuesday, with the Chevrons opting to go at it with a rather youthful side that includes the likes of a returning Tarisai Musakanda, Ryan Burl, and uncapped Wesley Madhevere.
Skipper Sean Williams, wicketkeeper-batsman Regis Chakabva, all-rounder Sikandar Raza Butt, Blessing Muzarabani and, Brandan Mavuta are among the notable names that made the trip.
Missing out on the latest tour of duty has left the duo of Chibhabha and Ervine rather frustrated.
“It’s rather disappointing, of course, to miss out on any tour,” said Ervine.
“We haven’t played much cricket of late, and it would have been great to be out there with the team playing my part,” said the top-order batsman.
Ervine is recovering from the coronavirus.
“I tested positive for Covid-19 late January, and one of the lingering symptoms is shortness of breath.
“I failed to recover in time for camp, and the bubble, and decided to follow the doctor’s orders and sit tour this one out.
“I am feeling much better now, and could be back in training in a couple of weeks,” he said.
His frustration is shared by white-ball skipper Chibhabha, who is recovering from a groin injury.
“I sustained a groin injury, which is refusing to heal, during the Pakistan tour,” said Chibhabha.
“It has left me frustrated, as I would have loved to be there with the boys playing my part”.
The pair has, however, refused to let their absence stop them from playing their part.
“I was in the bubble, here in Zimbabwe, with the boys, and I have been in constant communication with them since their departure.
“I have also been following their progress, watching the practice and warm-up matches.
“My message to them, especially the younger guys, is that this is their chance to claim their places in the team,” Chibhabha said.
Ervine shared the same sentiments, and as far as predictions are concerned, said the odds slightly favour Zimbabwe, given that Afghanistan have not played much Test cricket.
“It will definitely be a tightly contested match, with the key to Zimbabwe’s fortunes resting on how they play spin.
“I have confidence that the technical department has a solid game plan going into the series, and the top order, and how they perform, will be key,” he said.
Chibhabha believes it’s anyone’s game, but has tipped the returning Musakanda to shine.
“We have a very good side, full of young hungry guys and I see us doing well.
“Tari (Musakanda) is doing well, and I saw him score two brilliant centuries during our practice games. If he can carry that form into the series, then he has the ability to do well and shine,” he said.
