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NewsDay

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Cremer makes comeback

Sport
Zimbabwe Cricket has included leg spinner Graeme Cremer in the squad that leaves the country tomorrow for three one-day Test internationals (ODIs) and two Twenty20 series against a much-improved Bangladesh beginning next week in Dhaka.

Zimbabwe Cricket has included leg spinner Graeme Cremer in the squad that leaves the country tomorrow for three one-day Test internationals (ODIs) and two Twenty20 series against a much-improved Bangladesh beginning next week in Dhaka.

BY MUNYARADZI MADZOKERE

After suffering humiliating back-to-back ODI and T20 series defeats at home to minnows Afghanistan in the last two weeks, Zimbabwe selectors have fast-tracked the return of their best spin bowler, who was declared fit for the tour after passing a late fitness test.

Commenting on the squads, the convener of the national selection panel, Kenyon Ziehl, said: “We have picked a senior national squad that we believe will quickly recover from the disappointing series against Afghanistan and go to Bangladesh to show that we are a competitive nation.

We have recalled (Regis) Chakabva on the back of his strong performances for the A side against Ireland recently, as well as Cremer who has been declared fit to play.

“It’s also exciting to have the A side playing concurrently with the senior team, as this will give us a clear picture of our depth. We hope the players included will make the most of this opportunity to play against a Bangladesh A, which is a quality side.”

Cremer suffered an ankle injury at the beginning of the month in a famous five-run victory over Pakistan in the second ODI of the three match series and missed the visits by Ireland and lately Afghanistan.

Facing a form team such as the Bangladeshi Tigers, who have already slayed South Africa in their backyard this year and are currently ranked seventh on the ICC ODI rakings, Dav Whatmore cannot afford to leave his best spinner behind.

Also making a deserved return into the team to do battle on the subcontinent terrain are batters Chakabva and Malcolm Waller, whose off-spin is his second weapon.

The two were in fine form with bat, as they plundered runs in the four-day match against Ireland and their inclusion into the team is meant to bolster Zimbabwe’s batting quality which has been brittle of late.

They each scored back-to-back centuries in the drawn four-day game against Ireland in Harare.

Notable absentees in the last team are senior players, Hamilton Masakadza, who was left in the cold against Ireland and Afghanistan due to pitable form, and Vusi Sibanda, who was axed several months ago.

There is also no room for fast bowler Chris Mpofu, left arm seamer Brian Vitori, batsmen Brian Chari and Tino Mutombodzi.

Youngsters, Luke Jongwe and Wellington, who have been nothing short of impressive in recent internationals, managed to cling on to their spots in the senior squad.

Bangladesh, Zimbabwe’s nearest rivals among Test playing nations for a long time, seem to have recently established a huge gulf of class between them and the Africans and this series bears importance for both nations.

The first ODI is scheduled for November 7, while the second ODI is slated for November 9, with the third and final match pencilled for November 11.

The two Twenty20 matches are scheduled for November 13 and 16.

Meanwhile, young allrounder Mutombodzi will lead Zimbabwe A for the one-dayers against the Bangladesh A slated for November two, four and six at Harare Sports Club, with Matabeleland Tuskers captain Godwill Mamhiyo deputising.

The Bangladesh A cricket team, which will also play two four-day matches against the Zimbabwe A, was expected in the country last night.

SQUADS

Zimbabwe Squad for Bangladesh Tour: Chamu Chibhabha, Elton Chigumbura (Captain), Richmond Mutumbami, Regis Chakabva, Tinashe Panyangara, Luke Jongwe, John Nyumbu, Graeme Cremer, Wellington Masakadza, Tendai Chisoro, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Taurai Muzarabani, Sikandar Raza Butt, Neville Madziva

Zimbabwe A Squad for One-Dayers against Bangladesh A: Ryan Burl, Brian Chari, Trevor Garwe, Kevin Kasuza, Godwill Mamhiyo, Prince Masvaure, Peter Moor, Tapiwa Mufudza, Tinotenda Mutombodzi (Captain), Natsai M’shangwe, Christopher Mpofu, Victor Nyauchi, Kudzai Sauramba, Donald Tiripano, Brian Vitori

Zimbabwe A Squad for 4-Dayers against Bangladesh A: Brian Chari, Trevor Garwe, Joylord Gumbie, Roy Kaia, Godwill Mamhiyo (Captain), Hamilton Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Peter Moor, Tapiwa Mufudza, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Natsai M’shangwe, Victor Nyauchi, Vusumuzi Sibanda, Donald Tiripano, Brian Vitori