By Romario Samaroo
West Indies will have a chance to get their 2023 season off to a positive start against a depleted Zimbabwe side in the first Test today at Queen’s Sports Club, Zimbabwe
This is the first Test for the hosts in 18 months and without several key players, it swings the pendulum in favour of the West Indies.
West Indies captain, Kraigg Brathwaite, said that the team is aiming to solidify its all-round performance, brushing off the woes of Australia and sharpening its skills as it prepares to head to South Africa after this series.
In a press conference yesterday the opener stated, “We are aiming for an all-round team performance, in Australia we didn’t obviously bat well, we got above 250 a few times which was good. We didn’t bowl well, we didn’t bowl out Australia at all so I think coming here I think we are looking for an all-round performance. Once the bowlers can get together to get 20 wickets and then batsmen putting together a lot of runs will work especially the first innings and making a big total so I would say this tour, all-round performance is what we are looking for.”
With practice going well, Brathwaite reckoned the team is “in a good space” heading into the Test as he reasoned the team is not under pressure.
“[The team is] not under any pressure, I think all the guys are looking forward to playing here, we had a few practice sessions at the ground so I think no pressure. I think the guys are going out there and enjoy it and make West Indians proud,” he said.
Judging from the conditions, the skipper is of the opinion that both spinners and pacers will get something from the pitch.
He said that he was happy with the inclusion of Shannon Gabriel to bolster the pace department.
“I think both [pacers and seamers] will get some assistance on the wicket. The last time we came, the pacers did the job. It didn’t do much but I still think there is much in it for the pacers once you put in the effort and for the pacers, they got a bit of purchase on the last tour and I’m happy to have Shannon, he adds a lot of experience and value to our bowling unit. Obviously with his pace, it’s a plus so I’m happy to have him back and I look forward to this Test series.” In the batting department, Brathwaite has been the lynchpin for the side over the last decade and with Tagenarine Chanderpaul showing promise in his maiden series against Australia, the top order seems set for big things.
With Nkrumah Bonner and Jermaine Blackwood in the middle order as well as Joshua Da Silva who enjoyed success in the warm ups, the Caribbean contingent could cause trouble for the Zimbabwe bowlers.
Regular captain, Sean Williams is out with a fractured finger and Craig Ervine will lead the side despite not playing a Test in three years.
Like Williams, Tendai Chatara and Blessing Muzarabani are injured, resulting in a less than ideal fast bowling line up for Zimbabwe. Also missing are Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl who are playing franchise cricket.
Nevertheless, the opportunity has presented itself for several youngsters in Tafadzwa Tsiga, Joylord Gumbie, Kudzai Maunza and Tanunurwa Makoni as well as Innocent Kaia, Bradley Evans and Tanaka Chivanga who have tasted international cricket in the limited overs format to strengthen their cases for longer stints.
With a relatively inexperienced contingent, Zimbabwe have recalled Chamu Chibhabha after six years and Donald Tiripano.
Former England player, Gary Ballance is set to make his debut for the side in Tests, adding to his 23 caps for England.
West Indies Test squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (capt), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Devon Thomas, Jomel Warrican
Zimbabwe Test squad to play West Indies: Gary Ballance, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Tanaka Chivanga, Craig Ervine (capt), Bradley Evans, Joylord Gumbie, Innocent Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, Wellington Masakadza, Kudzai Maunze, Brandon Mavuta, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Milton Shumba, Donald Tiripano, Tafadzwa Tsiga
