An Oval shaped dream
SITUATED in the Brazilian capital of Rio de Janeiro the Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho is an iconic marvel and is touted as a football temple.
Many a footballer dreams of doing their thing at a facility that is affectionately known as the Maricana. For aspiring basketball players Mecca is the Madison Square Garden. In cricket grounds such as Lords and The Oval in England are held in high regard and one argue that one hasn’t played the game until he or she has done so at one of these venues.
And it is the need to tick that box that is spurring some Chevrons players as they battle for a place at next year’s ICC Cricket World Cup in England.
“Every player wants to play at those famed grounds and I am no exception,” said breakout star Blessing Muzarabani.
“As you might be aware Zimbabwe and England have not been competing against each of late hence some of us have never toured that part of the world and look forward to being part of the world cup extravaganza.
“It will be nice to tell my grandchildren one that during my playing days I took some wickets at The Oval.”:
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) cut ties with Zimbabwe in 2008.
Since the turn of the millennium Zimbabwe has only toured England thrice, during two Natwest Triangular series in 2000 (West Indies, Zimbabwe and England), 2003 (Zimbabwe, South Africa and England) and during the 2004 Champions Trophy.
In the current national team set up only head coach Heath Streak and Convener of Selectors Tatenda Taibu have played for the national team in England.
Streak also happens to have the distinction of having taken part in the last World Cup to be held in that country in 1999.
It’s an experience he hopes his charges will be able to experience as well. “Obviously, England is the home of cricket, and it will be a truly unforgettable experience for these guys to play there,” said Streak.
“We have been to Scotland, the United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka in recent months, but playing in England at places like The Oval, Lords or Old Trafford, would change their lives and careers.”
The Zimbabwean coach is also eager to join an elite group of individuals that have graced the World Cup both as player and coach.
“For me to return to England after playing there in 1999 would be a real achievement.
Right now we are close qualifying for the World Cup. I can practically taste it; but we still need to remain focused and take it one game at a time,” he said. as well.
While their bowling attack, led by pacers Tim Murtagh and Boyd Rankin, has been doing well, Ireland were caught unawares by the slowness of the surface at Harare Sports Club, and could include another spinner in Simi Singh.
Scotland, meanwhile, have been driven by strong all-round performances. Five of their batsmen average above 30 for the tournament, while Safyaan Sharif with 12 wickets is second on the list of wicket-takers .— ICC