FOR an action-starved Test nation, Zimbabwe got what can best be described as a “rude awakening” during their just-ended red-ball series against West Indies.
Having forced a draw during the rain-affected first Test, the Chevrons succumbed to an innings and four-run defeat in the second Test.
But it was not necessarily the defeat itself that is sure to leave a sour taste in the mouths of local cricket fans, but the glaring shortcomings of Zimbabwe’s game that the two Tests exposed.
“Our domestic cricket is not yet up to the standard we want it to be in order to prepare for the international arena (Test matches),” said Chevrons’ gaffer Dave Houghton.
“It’s getting there, but it is not quite there yet.
“It’s still a big leap for our players to make to play international Test matches.”
His views were shared by Chevron’s skipper Craig Ervine, who feels there is still a huge chasm between Test cricket and the four-day game, to which most of the national team players are familiar with.
That was never more apparent than during the second Test against West Indies last week. Gudakesh Motie swung the tide in the visitors’ favour and almost singlehandedly knocked Zimbabwe out with six for 62 during a monumental second-innings collapse.
The West Indies spinner was duly named the man of the match for his performance during the match, where he finished with 12 wickets.
He was also named man of the series for his 19 wickets in the two Tests.
This was only his third Test match.
It revealed the frailties of the domestic league and Zimbabwe’s never-ending battle with spin.
Ervine, whose 70 runs off 169 balls was the only talking point of the second innings disaster, believes Zimbabwe A-side games will be a great stepping stone in preparing players for the international stage in the longer format of the game.
“Any extra cricket that we can play is good for us,” said the skipper.
“However, I do think that red-ball A-side cricket would be great for the national sides.
“The gap between franchise and international cricket is a big step up and not an easy transition for anyone.”
The Chevrons had five debutants in the two-match series. Ervine, however, attributed the Chevrons’ loss to a change of conditions at Bulawayo Sports Club.
“I don’t think I would say we were under more pressure in the second match — the pressures were the same.
“The conditions between the first and second Test were different, and that presented different challenges that we didn’t adapt to quickly enough,” he said.
The Chevrons seemingly found it difficult to deal with the West Indies’ bowling attack, which had a fair balance of spin and pace.
“We need to be better at playing spin and working on our options to get off strike.
“In Test cricket, you are always going to be tested with pace and spin, so a lot needs to be covered when preparing. That’s the beauty of playing Test cricket . . .
“We enjoyed the challenge, but, most importantly, learnt from it.
“Now, we understand what needs to be done to be successful,” added Ervine.
He was full of praise for Gary Ballance.
“He is a quality player and we missed him in the second Test. The guys learnt a lot from watching him play and the manner in which he went about his business.
“These are the best guys to chat to and learn from, and I know some of the younger guys did that during the first Test.” – Sunday Mail
