The Sunday Mail
Sports Reporter
PJ MOOR is doing the business in the domestic cricket league with a healthy average of 62.55 runs.
The Mid West Rhinos top order batsman, who has also done well for Zimbabwe A this year, says patience is key to his impressive shows.
However, one thing Moor cannot wait for is a recall to the Chevrons.
“I want it so badly,” said the 24 –year old.
“I have been working harder than ever, but just have to see what the selectors say. It has been a good few weeks for me with the bat. I have been working very hard at my game and it’s good to see it paying off.
“During the off season not only was I spending a lot of time in the nets, but I also worked hard on the mental side of the game. Being mentally stronger when I am at the crease and working on being more patient are some of the reasons behind my recent success.”
Moor made his national debut during a disastrous tour of Bangladesh last year.
“It (the tour of Bangladesh) was tough and the unfamiliar conditions didn’t make it easier for me,” he recalls.
“Making your debut in the sub continent is never an easy task, but I think it was a good learning curve.
“I had a taste of international cricket and what it entails, if I get the honor again I will be better prepared. I want to win games for my country.”
With Moor’s impressive run coming during the longer format of the game those that had prematurely labeled him a short format player are having to swallow their words.
Which is your format Mr Moor?
“I have always been a positive stroke player. Most people say I am more suited to the shorter format when they watch me play, however recent form shows I have been doing better in the longer format.,” said the former Zimbabwe U19 player who is also at home as a wicket-keeper.
“However I don’t prefer one to the other, I can play both. It’s something I am capable of doing and another aspect of my game I have been working on.”
Moor believes he is also reaping the benefits of an off season sojourn to the United Kingdom.
“During my off season I played some cricket abroad and the games came thick and fast. I was playing about five days of cricket a week.
“With this much cricket, when you have a bad game or get a low score you can’t get down about it because you have a game the next day.
“So you have to accept, try and correct your mistakes and move forward,” he said.
Meanwhile, Stanley Timoni and his Mash Eagles have found themselves on the receiving end of Moor’s blistering form but their coach is drawing comfort from the fact that he is responsible from bringing the best out of Moor.
“I feel happy to see him playing at the highest level. I started coaching them, him and his brothers, when they were very young, PJ was in Grade 3 then and I coached him till he finished school,” revealed Timoni.
“His performance is not a surprise to me, every time when he plays he tells me ‘I am going to give you a century’ and that means a lot to me.
“Very few players give credit to their basic coaches. I wish him well a
nd I am looking forward to seeing him play more games for the national team.”
