African Sports Monthly Vol I. Issue II February 2018 | Page 29

previously committed their futures to County Cricket in England.
Zimbabwe has gradually improved since Streak’s first year in charge, with
their last Test a home draw against the West Indies in which they batted for
144 overs in their second innings to save the game.
“It’s well documented as to how little Test Cricket we have played, but I think
for us it is less about the type of cricket and more about just playing at the
international level,” the 43-year-old said.
“Whether we are playing ODIs or tests, it is the gaps between fixtures that is
the biggest challenge for us. Our domestic level isn’t high, so for us to step up,
that’s the challenge.
“I think for the first time in a long time we have got a pretty well balanced
team in terms of what we have from the seam and spin departments. We also
bat pretty deep and we have got some exciting guys in the squad,” said
Streak.
Lots of Cricket could inspire hope
Smarting from a huge defeat in the only Test played against South Africa
starting on Boxing Day, Zimbabwe will look to put that experience behind
them as they seek better fortunes in the sub-continent.
There will be a lot of Cricket for Zimbabwe in the next three months, as they
will tour Dubai for a series against Afghanistan in Sharjah before they engage
them in the 2019 Cricket World Cup qualifiers that will be hosted in Bulawayo
and Harare.
That experience will give Zimbabwe the much needed confidence that they
can go out there and come out with successes.
Zimbabwe will return to Asia an improved and strengthened side following
the return of former captain Brendan Taylor and seamer, Kyle Jarvis.
The series will be important for Zimbabwe, as they build up towards the
World Cup qualifiers where they could face among others; the West Indies,
Afghanistan and Ireland depending on the draw.
FEBRUARY 2018
VOL I , ISSUE II