Batsman Tino Mawoyo will be looking for a strong performance when a Zimbabwe A take on South Africa A in a four-day cricket match starting this morning at Harare Sports Club in his bid to force a return to the national side.
By Kevin Mapasure
It’s almost two years since Mawoyo last played for Zimbabwe and he is targeting a return to the Test side when Zimbabwe clash with New Zealand at the end of the month in a two-Test series that takes place at Bulawayo’s Queens Sports Club.
Mawoyo last played Test cricket for Zimbabwe when they hosted Pakistan in 2014 and since then injuries have blighted attempts at return.
His returned was also delayed by Zimbabwe’s lack of Test cricket during the whole of 2015 as he is rarely considered for the limited-overs.
When Mawoyo walks to the crease to bat in the next four days his main ambition will be to score himself back into contention for the national team.
He will focus on trying to help the team achieve a win against a strong South Africa A side that contains among others Vernon Philander, but the ultimate aim is a return to the top side at a time he has almost been forgotten. “A” side cricket is all about pushing for the top side and Shingi Masakadza will also try to use what has become a rare opportunity for him with the ball.
Regis Chakabva will be looking to cement his place as the Test side wicket keeper and the two four-day matches will give him a good run having been out of international action for a long time.
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Brian Chari is probably one of the players that could end up competing for a place in the national side with Mawoyo and this opportunity will be invaluable.
South Africa, on the other hand, have brought in players that also want to prove themselves and Philander, who has also been blighted by injury, will be looking to prove his fitness.
“The body’s feeling real good,” Philander said. “I’ve obviously been out for quite a few months. I never quite knew the severity of the injury until a couple of months after and it’s been coming and going, but these last few weeks it’s really been holding up. I’m just looking forward to getting out there and playing cricket again.”
Zim A squad
Tino Mutombodzi (captain), Gerald Aliseni, Regis Chakabva, Brian Chari, Trevor Garwe, Joylord Gumbie, Timycen Maruma, Shingi Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Tino Mawoyo, Tarisai Musakanda, Natsai Mushangwe, Richard Muzhange, Victor Nyauchi, and John Nyumbu.
