Zimbabwe Tour Preview

By English Cricket
November 15 2004

A preview of England's tour to Zimbabwe, where they will play the home side in 5 ODI's. A tour not without its fair amount of controversy still holds some value for the tourists, albeit small.

England vs Zimbabwe: Tour Preview

 

England fly out on Monday to play five One Day Internationals in Zimbabwe starting on November 25, but the tour has already been undermined by controversy with several key English players withdrawing due to the political and safety concerns in the troubled Southern African Nation.

The England captain, Michael Vaughan, expressed his displeasure at having to take his side there, though he unlike colleagues Trescothick, Flintoff & Harmison, refused the offer to sit out this series:

"We leave for preparation in Namibia on Monday and I think it's clear we are making a stance because we are not going to Zimbabwe until November 24 - the day before the first match,"

"It is not a great position for either the board or players to be in, but personally I did not want to pass the buck by not going.

"I am going there to lead the team, but it's not a tour I am particularly looking forward to. I am looking forward to it being over."

Nevertheless, the England captain and selectors should treat this series as a trial ground for several fringe players. The likes of Bell, Pieterson & Prior will be playing in English one-day colours for the first time, and although the experience may not be a gruelling as they may have evisaged, there is still a lot of pressure attached to representing one’s country. The hope is that they take this opportunity, as England like any side with aspirations to beat the Australians would have realised that depth in talent is the key.

In start contrast to the tour of Zimbabwe, the England captain did have some positive words say on the topic of the upcoming series against the South Africans:

"It is important that the team going to South Africa develops on the momentum of this summer when we won seven games on the trot," he added.

"We have done a lot to make history over the last year or so and we are confident. But to beat the best teams in their own backyard you have to raise your game.

"Confidence comes from winning and if we can win in South Africa it is bound to encourage us for the Ashes series next summer.

"The one thing you know about South Africa is that they will be well prepared, they work very hard and have some experienced players with fantastic records.

"Add to that the fact they are on their home soil and I expect it to be the toughest series we have played since they were here in England last year."

 

Schedule

Tour of Namibia

Nov 21: v Namibia - Windhoek Wanderers
Nov 23: v Namibia - Windhoek Wanderers

Tour of Zimbabwe

Nov 26: 1st ODI - Harare
Nov 28: 2nd ODI - Harare
Dec 1: 3rd ODI - Bulawayo
Dec 4: 4th ODI - Bulawayo
Dec 5: 5th ODI - Bulawayo