Zimbabwe’s number one fast bowler Christopher Mpofu, spinner Prosper Utseya and wicketkeeper/ batsman Tatenda Taibu have all been left-out of the squad to take on Australia “A” in a four-day match in Harare starting on Friday.
Zimbabwe will employ a seam-based bowling attack where they would look to rookies Tendai Chatara, Brian Vitori and Njabulo Ncube to provide the needed pace for the longer version of the game.
While there is genuine concern on Zimbabwe’s pace resources the exclusion of Mpofu, who has been improving in the past year and proving to be a key man in the limited-overs format, comes as a surprise with Zimbabwe looking to do well and regaining confidence.
Selector Alistair Campbell defended the decision to leave out Mpofu saying they were looking at giving the upcoming seamers an opportunity against quality batsmen.
“These two games are more about preparation for the Tests than they are about results. Of-course we want to do well and we want to win, but it is an opportunity for us to see what we can get from these emerging seam bowlers,” said Campbell.
“Mpofu has not been dropped, it’s just that he has played against quality opposition for a long time and we know what he can give us. He remains our first choice fast bowler, but we decided to rest him for these two matches.”
Taibu, who also missed out on the triangular series that included the same opposition and South Africa “A”, is still sidelined by injury as is Graeme Cremer. The two are facing a fitness race ahead of the Bangladesh series that starts on July 30.
Campbell also said that the trio of Chatara, Ncube and Vitori had to prove themselves in these two games if they are to claim the other two places available for seamers.
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“They are all showing signs of promise, they have been doing well playing domestic cricket but we want to see how they respond facing quality batsmen and if they do well they may just find themselves in the Test team against Bangladesh.”
Zimbabwe is gearing up for the return to playing Test cricket where they will start with a one-off Test against Bangladesh before engaging Pakistan and New Zealand respectively.
Opening batsman Tino Mawoyo and Vusa Sibanda, regarded as more tailor-made for Test matches, have both been included in the 13-member squad.
The selectors and technical team seem to have decided to go with one spinner, Raymond Price, but may also be looking at Malcolm Waller weighing in.
Batsman Hamilton Masakadza comes in with Test experience under his belt. Another notable exclusion is pace-man Kyle Jarvis who was looking to make a return to the national team after a long injury lay-off.
