. . . dad says cricket runs in family’s blood

THE father of Craig Ervine, Zimbabwe’s hero on the opening day of the only Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo yesterday, says cricket runs in the family’s blood.

The 31-year-old left hander registered his second Test century and highest individual score after ending the day unbeaten on 151.

His two brothers Sean and Ryan are also cricketers. His father Rory and uncle

add 41, before a false shot led to the ‘keeper’s downfall.

With Malcolm Waller, there was another 65 added to the total as Zimbabwe went past the 250-run mark.

All this while, Ervine did not lose sight of the kind of play that had helped him notch up a hundred.

He continued to remain positive against the bowlers, and his timing only kept getting better. Herath, once again, played saviour for Sri Lanka as he had Waller bowled for 36. Neil also played this game.

“Yes, cricket is in the family”, Rory, speaking exclusively from Zimbabwe, said minutes after the match.

“I was able to follow Friday’s match on Internet. Sadly could not watch the game”.

Craig’s parents, mother Judy is a specialist in herbal medicines, help the under-privileged children at an orphanage in Zimbabwe called Eden Children’s

At 282 for eight, Sri Lanka still had their chance to ensure Zimbabwe fold for below 300, something captain Dinesh Chandimal had targeted at the toss, but Zimbabwe’s surprise package came in the form of Donald Tiripano.

For the ninth wicket, Zimbabwe put on an unbeaten 58 runs as the day ended with Zimbabwe at 344 for eight.

Ervine notched up his 150 in the penultimate over of the day and was able to walk back with his head held high.

Tiripano ended unbeaten with 24 off Village. “Craig was an all-rounder and started as right handed but due to a serious injury to his right hand when he was only 13 years, he became left-handed dominant and didn’t bowl off-breaks,’’ said Rory.”

“He was determined to continue cricket, but had to become a batsman instead of bowling. It would be good for him to add another 40 or 50 runs when play resumes on Saturday.”

45 balls.

On a mixed day, Zimbabwe will go back with a bigger smile.

From 70 for four, to be able to walk back into the pavilion knowing they will come back to bat on Day two would have been a major boost.

In addition to that, they were also able to rack up nearly 350 runs at a very good rate.

Brief scores: Zimbabwe 34 4 /8 (Craig Ervine 151*, Malcolm Waller 36; Rangana Herath 4-106) vs Sri Lanka. — Cricbuzz.