Local cricketers brace for World Cup qualifiers

LOCAL cricketers are bracing themselves for the upcoming Cricket World Cup qualifiers and are ready to play their part to make the event a success.

The Qualifiers begin on March 4 with the Chevrons fixtured for the tournament opener in Bulawayo at Queens Sports Club against Nepal.

Sunday News spoke to some of the up-and-coming cricketers from Bulawayo, many of whom are hoping to join the visiting teams as net bowlers during the qualifiers. The young cricketers are all waiting, expecting to gain and improve their individual games by working with the visiting players in the nets.

Bulawayo Athletic Club all rounder Fleming Nkomo said the qualifiers have presented locals to face cricketers who play at a higher level and will almost certainly benefit the local game. He said cricketers who will have the priviledge of being involved in net sessions will surely be better off at the end of the tournament.

“It’s not everyday that local cricketers get an opportunity to face some of the best cricketers from other countries. If any one of us gets a chance to work in the nets during the qualifiers and bowl to these guys we will definitely learn a thing or two,” said Nkomo.

His sentiments were echoed by Roosters’ seamer Shewu Shane Musekwa who said he was looking forwars to testing his skills against some of the best in the world.

“Every athlete wants to test themself against the best. I am no different and I can’t wait to be part of the net bowling team during the World Cup Qualifiers,” Musekwa said.

Local cricketers are expected to be employed to work as net bowlers to visiting teams during the qualifiers.