‘Absence of top players will inspire upcoming cricketers’
ZIMBABWE stand-in cricket captain Peter Moor believes the absence of top players Brendan Taylor and skipper Hamilton Masakadza in this week’s ODI battle against United Arab Emirates, will inspire others to rise to the occasion.
All four ODI matches are scheduled for Harare Sports Club.
The matches come about a year after the Gulf nation cricketers knocked out Zimbabwe from the World Cup in one of the biggest upsets in the history of the game.
The Chevrons needed to win the final group game to qualify for the World Cup which will be held in England this year.
But, before the biggest crowd to watch cricket in this country, the Chevrons crumbled under the weight of expectations and lost to the minnows.
After winning the toss on a day when the threat of rain was in the air, the Chevrons chose to bowl first rather than try and bat their opponents out of the game.
That pathetic decision backfired horribly and, asked to chase a steep target after rain intervened, as forecast, the Chevrons fell short.
The defeat sparked a chain of events, including the changes in the team’s coaching staff.
“I think last year’s game is past, it’s gone and we are now focusing on this game, which I believe is not going to be an easy task,’’ said Moor.
“It’s been six months since we played international cricket, so we need to come back strong.
“Being a full member can come with a challenge and we are going for the series win and we are well prepared for it. We are fully aware that UAE are a very good team and so we are prepared for them and the absence of two of our senior players will be an advantage to some upcoming players who will raise their hand and take up the challenge.’’