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Monday, 17 January, 2000, 16:34 GMT
Zimbabwe one-day profiles Andy Flower, captain Age: 31 One-day internationals: 123 Runs: 3730 (33.60) Wickets: 0 Now into his second stint as captain, Zimbabwe would probably have been a stronger force today if Flower had not felt compelled to give over the reins to Alistair Campbell in the first place.
Because he is undoubtedly a better captain, and a more consistent cricketer, than Cambpell ever will be.
For all that, he is only likely to be a stopgap leader while a longer-term successor can be groomed. The most dependable of all Zimbabwe's batsmen, has sacrificed the flamboyance of his younger days for steady, sometimes colourless, accumulation of runs. Has "manufactured" himself into a dependable wicketkeeper. Became only the third player to score a century on his one-day international debut, when he batted through the entire innings against Sri Lanka, in the World Cup of 1992.
Alistair Campbell Found that his batting was suffering with the added responsibility of captaincy and never really convinced as a leader of a cohesive unit.
Now as a foot soldier once again, he can concentrate on scoring runs, although he is open to being dropped.
Another accumulator of runs and has a rigid stance, possibly the legacy of his father insisting he bat as a left hander - the theory being the best batsmen lead with their top hand - despite doing almost everything with his right hand. A precocious schoolboy cricketer (once hitting five successive centuries) he played in Zimbabwe's inaugural Test match as a 19-year-old.
Stuart Carlisle A fighter and a talented one at that. Impressed national coach David Houghton with his never-say-die qualities, earning him selection for the World Cup ahead of other candidates.
Feels he has rectified the back-foot weakness exploited by England when they were last in Zimbabwe.
His first international for Zimbabwe remains his most memorable. Down to bat at number seven against Pakistan, he did not even make it to the crease as the Flower Brothers piled on the runs. The result, though, was Zimbabwe's first Test victory. Recently scored a one-day hundred against Sri Lanka.
Grant Flower Only now learning to have faith in his gifts. An elegant right-handed batsman, too often in the past he has played within himself instead of using his powers of timing to take the attack to bowlers.
He remains, however, Zimbabwe's only tried and tested opening batsman, both in Tests and one-dayers, perhaps the reason for his often limited approach.
A wonderful fielder in almost any position, he can also contribute with his left-arm spin. Although, whisper it quietly, there are doubts over the legitimacy of his action.
Murray Goodwin The dream of playing international cricket is turning a little sour for Murray Goodwin.
He saw the light after years of trying to be an Australian and, at the second time of asking, Zimbabwe tempted him away from his uncertain future playing for Western Australia back to the
country of his birth.
Despite his give-away Australian accent, Goodwin is a Zimbabwean, always has been. There have been reports that he is now doubting his decision to leave - both his Test and one-day batting average are not those promised when, early on in his career, he scored centuries in both versions of the game. Has a lot to offer, however, not least through his Aussie know-how. Also does a job as a leg break bowler.
Neil Johnson
Had a magical World Cup, starring with both bat and ball. Now one of the leading allrounders in the game, although he has struggled recently with an injury that has prevented him from bowling.
After drifting for some time in South Africa, Johnson finally turned to his native Zimbabwe and offered his services. They were quickly snapped up. A much improved batsman, recently scored successive one-day centuries against Australia. The next Zimbabwe captain.
Mpumelelo Mbangwa Powerfully built, Mbangwa can generate genuine speed as a new ball bowler, although he is at his most effective when he holds the ball back and hits the seam.
Known as Pom, a reference to what Zimbabweans see as
a frightfully posh accent, having gone to school in England.
Still finding his feet at international level but has done enough to suggest he could become a regular and he is a player the Zimbabwean Board are keen to push. His strength can be his weakness. Usually bowls a good length - so good that he rarely feels the need to change it. In the one-day game he can therefore become predictable and be punished by good batsmen accordingly.
Henry Olonga The first black to play cricket for Zimbabwe at international level and deservedly so.
The authorities have invested a considerable amount of time and money in Olonga, recognising his raw pace as potentially the
country's most vital cricketing asset.
Went a long way to repaying his debts in the World Cup by taking three wickets in an over against India and pulling off a remarkable win against the odds. Got himself into trouble early in his career when he was more than once called for "throwing" but seems now to have rectified the problem. Bowled Zimbabwe to their first ever series victory away from home, against Pakistan. An accomplished singer.
Paul Strang Has slipped somewhat form his position as one of the most effective leg-spinners in world cricket.
He is well known to English audiences, having been overseas player for Kent and Nottinghamshire in the past, not to mention his creditable performances against England.
Outbowled fellow leg spinners Shane Warne, Anil Kumble and Mushtaq Ahmed in the 1996 World Cup but has lacked form and confidence recently and has suffered from a wrist injury. A useful lower order batsman.
Bryan Strang
An honest left-arm seam bowler whose star is still rising.
Has rarely failed in the limited opportunities he has been given, but could find his true place if Heath Streak's injury continues to cause problems. His left-handedness offers an important variation in what can otherwise be a fairly predictable attack.
Heath Streak
Has been held back recently by persistent injury that has limited his
appearances but few doubt his position as one of Zimbabwe's true world class performers.
Is fortunate to have been born in Zimbabwe, where he pretty much rules the roost, as he can bowl as much (or when the stick is being dished out) as little as he likes. Raw when he first played for the national side against Pakistan in 1993/94, he was not without immediate success. Can play useful cameos with the bat.
Dirk Viljoen A gritty and determined left-handed batsman, very much in the Allan Border mould.
His is a relatively new face in the Zimbabwe side, though he has the look of a player who will be around on the international scene for some time to come.
What he lacks in strokeplay he more than makes up for in durability and plain common sense. Where others hit the panic button in a crisis, Viljoen plods along his merry way. A solid, dependable cricketer, should look to develop his left-arm spin more.
Andy Whittall Another Zimbabwean whose C.V. makes for interesting reading.
By profession, Andy Whittall is not just a cricketer but a big game hunter, too.
Learnt his cricket on a ranch where he lived with his cousin, Guy, and later at boarding school. Played for Cambridge University, where he studied for an engineering degree, captaining the side in his second year. Something of a drifter, has never been completely in or out of the national side since making his debut against Sri Lanka three years ago. More likely to be a threat as an off spinner than a batsman.
Guy Whittall A short and busy cricketer, Guy Whittall can bat anywhere in the top six and has the knack of sneaking a wicket or two as a change bowler.
Could have had an international career as a rugby centre, once playing for Zimbabwe in the World Cup qualifying tournament in Kenya.
Earned himself near cult status at home by taking a century off the Pakistan bowlers in Zimbabwe's first Test win. Was also instrumental in the famous win against South Africa that saw Zimbabwe qualify for the Super Six stage of the last World Cup. Has said that he will retire from cricket and follow his cousin, Andy, into the world of big game hunting on the family ranch.
Gary Brent
A strong medium pace bowler who was on the verge of a place in the national side for the past three years, Brent has recently been given his chance and has impressed.
Comes from strong cricketing stock - his uncle, Jon, also played for Zimbabwe. His place in the side depends, to a large, extent, on the form and fitness of Heath Streak. |
Links to other England on Tour stories are at the foot of the page.
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