1st TEST: Zimbabwe v Bangladesh at Harare 17th-21st April 2013

[Helmet Man]

Bangladesh need to be banished to playing against Vatican City or Andorra. They are absolutely rooted. They have about as much mental toughness as a chicken. The difference between the two sides is that Zim want to win, they approach each test match wanting to win it even though they are often hopelessly outgunned. The bangles on the other hand still, after 12 years, have the mindset that improving bit by bit is enough. It's not good enough.

That said I'm glad Zim are doing very nicely.

I think that's a bit harsh considering the fact that it's Zims homeground and also the fact that Bangladesh were able to notch up scores of 556 against WI and 638 against Sri Lanka. Bangladesh have progressed immensely over the last 12 months so i dont think that them not improving can ever be questioned. Besides low scores do happen from time to time with all countries e.g. Australia, Pakistan, England etc. Yes i still think that's no reason for Bangladesh not to do well. They really lacked the mindset in their innings. Zim obviously have something to prove. Brendon Taylor has been the only contributor for Zim and really does look good with the bat.

 

[Xfactor1979]

2 steps forward and 1 step back with Bangla Desh :lol:

Still, one can't dispute the integrity of the Zimbabwean bowling attack

They have Kyle Jarvis- who's a mean old man, Brian Vitori- same deal with him, Graeme Cremer- who's one of the premium leg spinners.

The only thing missing is more games playing at home against South Africa (closest cricketing powerhouse) playing more Odis in Zimbabwe.

 

[Timbo]

Zimbabwe are definitely improving which is good.

Jarvis and Meth look pretty decent with the new pill. And how good is Taylor?

 

[Xfactor1979]

The idea of choosing players based on race rather than merit (among other things) undid all the good work to make what was a reasonably competitive cricket nation around 1999, and it pushed the zims out of cricket for a while there

The players they had: Neil Johnson - attacking left handed bat, Sean Ervine - all rounder. Among a few others like Streak, Gripper, Carlisle. Andy Flower didn't fluke being a cricketer to be coach of England

 

[AusKnightRKO]

Andy was a boss, would easily be in the top 10 players from that era

 

[Xfactor1979]

I'm going to stick my neck on the line

But playing on non subcontinental conditions gave the zims the complete and utter hand

Its not just Bangla Desh, but I reckon if it was India, Pakistan or even Sri Lanka- they would fail to boss around the Zims over there

 

[Timbo]

Andy was obscenely good.

Was at times the best bat on the planet in a world containing Lara, Kallis, Ponting, Vaughn, Tendulkar, Hayden, Dravid, etc.

 

[Helmet Man]

Bangladesh though showed a lack of temperament in troubling times on the pitch. If they can't play the ball according to its merit they will fail miserably in the World Cup in Aus. Zim's bowling was very good and Taylor showed a lot of heart.

 

[AlwaysGreen]

Bangladesh were shit and will fail miserably in Australia and anywhere else they play.

 

[Twizzle]

never in doubt

 

[IanG]

Zimbabwe won by 335 Runs

 

[Xfactor1979]

More solid players lost due to Zimbabwe's failed 'reverse' apartheid movement

The Strang Brothers - Bryan and Paul
Bryan Murphy

The Zims didnt seem have to any trouble finding legspinners

 

[Timbo]

Brian Murphy was hardly a worldbeater though.

Paul Strang on the other hand was the goods.

 

[IanG]

Not to mention the Flower Brothers

 

[Xfactor1979]

Unlike the Deshis, the Zims also had good bowlers to boot, and they have a variety of bowlers, the Deshis cant seem to find a pace spearhead, or stock bowlers because of subcontinental conditions, but the Zims had pace, and spin!


Some of the pacemen other than Streak and Brandes were:
Douglas Hondo - always came charging in with his big broad shoulders
Henry Olonga, whatever happened to that guy?