RETRO YEARS

It was bound to be a one- sided series wherein visiting World champions India have crushed hosts Zimbabwe in their backyard. With the series having taken a lopsided turn, we take a look at some of Zimbabwe’s great performers who made an impact on the international stage.

Andy Flower

One of the best batsmen in the world with an average of 51.54 in Tests. The left- hander is a master in combating spin bowling and tormented the Indian spinners at their own den during the 2001 series. He amassed more than 500 runs in two Tests and is now the coach of a successful England team.

Dave Houghton

Zimbabwe’s inaugural Test match was a huge landmark for this right- handed batsman. Leading the side, he scored a swashbuckling 121 against India in Harare in the 1992 match. He was regarded as one of the destructive batsmen in the shorter format of the

game.

Grant Flower

Andy’s younger brother, Grant was an all- rounder with an average of 33.52 and with 104 wickets with the ball at an economy rate of 4.64 in ODIs. He was one of the integral members of the Zimbabwean side in the late 90s.

Heath Streak

The spearhead of the Zimbabwean pace attack for more than a decade — he has a tally of more than 400 wickets in both Tests and ODIs combined. An astute leader, he was instrumental in defeating India in the Test in Harare in 2001. He was renowned for his clean hitting ability with the bat and has a Test century under his belt.

Neil Johnson

His name was second only to Lance Klusener of South Africa in the list of top all- rounders during the 1999 World Cup in Old Blighty. He batted brilliantly as an opener and prised out opposition batsmen with the new cherry. He bagged three man of the match awards in that tournament.