The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi
ZIMBABWE batsman Wesley Madhevere has the backing of selectors despite three consecutive ducks in his fledgling Test cricket career.
The 20-year-old sauntered back to the dressing room, head down visibly dejected when he edged a Sayed Shirzad delivery during Zimbabwe’s innings against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates yesterday.
Naturally his rut has attracted criticism from some cricket fans over his ‘early selection’ into the Test side.
The young player from Chitungwiza has four First Class caps with a batting average of 24.40, but in six ODIs he averages 37.63.
The Sunday Mail Sport sought some answers from Zimbabwe Cricket Convenor of selectors David Mutendera who said Madhevere is part of the future.
“Test cricket is a test of character, patience and skill, it’s the pinnacle of the game and I am sure Wessie has learnt that.
“He should not drop his head, he is only 20 and he is already playing Test cricket for his country, that tells you something about his talent.
“He has done well in white ball cricket and it has been a tough start to his Test career, but the guy has a great future, he shouldn’t stress,” Mutendera said.
He said as selectors they have been impressed with the performance of the team against Afghanistan in the two Tests.
“We have sent a competitive team, we did well winning in two days in the first Test and in this second match we struggled but we have fought.
“Williams and Tiripano have led the fight and there is a lot of work to be done, we only lead by eight runs going into day five, but you never know.
“This is Test cricket, anything can happen.”
For Zimbabwe who ended day four on 266 for 7, with a lead of eight, forcing a draw would be a mammoth task considering how much they have been behind in this match.
That Zimbabwe can even think of salvaging a draw was down to another captain’s knock as Sean Williams scored a fourth Test hundred (106) and third in three Tests.
Williams’ unbeaten 124- run eighth wicket partnership with Donald Tiripano, who scored his first Test 50 and ended the day unbeaten on 63 off 164 balls, rescued Zimbabwe from an innings defeat which looked inevitable when they collapsed to 142 for seven.
The Williams-Tiripano union, by stumps, was Zimbabwe’s second highest eighth wicket stand in Tests.
Andy Blignaut and Heath Streak’s 160 stand achieved against West Indies at Harare Sports Club in 2001 is the highest.
Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan was Zimbabwe’s chief tormentor picking five for 105.
He had opener Kevin Kasuza caught at slip, got Tarisai Musakanda LBW, Sikandar Raza also caught at slip and dismissed Ryan Burl and Regis Chakabva LBW.
Zimbabwe will go into day five with only bowlers Blessing Muzarabani and Victor Nyauchi to bat.
Zimbabwe and Afghanistan will follow up the Test series with three T20 Internationals on March 17, 19 and 20 in Abu Dhabi.
Meanwhile, Mutendera has given an update on senior batsmen Brandan Taylor and Craig Ervine who missed out on this tour due to illness.
“They are almost 100%, they have a training programme they are following and they should be ready for the Pakistan and Bangladesh series,” he said.
“To be honest we need our strongest side for these Tests and with our young players doing well, it gives us some depth.”
Zimbabwe are scheduled to host Pakistan in April and Bangladesh in June –July for two Tests, three ICC Super League ODIs and three T20 Internationals.
Domestic cricket has already resumed with the women’s Regional competition in the third round while the Logan Cup is expected to also resume this week with the bubble concept.
