EXPLOSIVE batsman Charles Coventry has yet again ruled out an immediate return to the national cricket team set-up despite being retained in Zimbabwe’s 23-man provisional squad for next month’s ICC World Twenty20 competition. DANIEL NHAKANISO SPORTS REPORTER
Coventry had been strongly linked with a return to the national team set-up after coach Andy Waller said the 30-year-old Dubai-based star had committed to playing in next week’s domestic T20 competition.
“Unfortunately I’m not coming for the Twenty20 competition,” Coventry told NewsDay Sport from his base in Dubai yesterday.
“I was considering coming after speaking to the coach, but I just can’t come at the moment. It’s not like I don’t want to play for Zimbabwe anymore, but I’m not in a position to come at this stage and I have explained my situation to Andy,” said Coventry, who is fondly remembered for equalling the then record for the highest individual one-day international score by blasting an unbeaten 194 against Bangladesh in Bulawayo in 2009.
Asked if he would consider playing for Zimbabwe again, the T20 specialist batsman said he would return to the national team in the future.
“Yes, definitely I have always said I want to play for Zimbabwe again, but not at the moment. I have other pressing commitments,” said Coventry, who last played for Zimbabwe during their tour of New Zealand in November 2011.
Coventry was last week named the batsman of the tournament after helping his Dubai-based club Wings SRT XI lift the inaugural two-day Danube Test series after beating Yogi Group in the final.
