Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
MEGA Market Mountaineers top order batsman Alistair Frost says he’s working hard for a chance to wear national colours, with his sights firmly set on representing Zimbabwe at the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
The 26 year old spoke on the Dean at Stumps podcast with Dean du Plessis, where he appeared alongside his brother Michael. Asked what he hoped to achieve by January next year, Frost said he wanted to produce strong numbers that would back his case for a national team call up.
“It’s more about looking at the 2027 World Cup, which Zimbabwe will be hosting. I do know there are a lot of great players still around who are still playing. If you are to ask me in January, I would just hope that I have half a foot in the door. I’m really looking forward to the season. I know I’ve done a lot of hard work behind the scenes, a lot of extra work,” Frost said.
He added that returning to Mountaineers always feels special.
“Going back to Mountaineers feels like going back home. We’ve had three uncles represent the team, and for Mike and I to also play for Mountaineers is awesome. Come January, I hope I have the stats, I have the backing behind me, and I’m just all gears go to hopefully get that selection call. Test cricket is the highest level you can play in this game.
I’ll take anything, I’m just waiting for that call, I’m doing my best. If I get a Test call up, I’ll be over the moon.”
Last season, Frost finished as the sixth highest run scorer in the Logan Cup, piling up 596 runs at an average of 49.67, with a best of 209 not out.
He also featured, alongside his brother, in the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) team that toured Zimbabwe for the first time in 60 years last week. Now, with the new domestic season starting this week, Frost says his focus is on building on that momentum.
“I’ve been blessed to rub shoulders with a lot of wise minds and experienced hands. From school, I worked with guys like Dale Benkenstein and Neil Johnson. I’ve done a bit with Graeme Ford too. Over here in Zimbabwe, you have guys like Stuart Matsikenyeri and Donald Tiripano, he’s been awesome. Garry Ballance, who just retired, has been throwing a lot of balls to me,” he said.
“He’s given me a lot of advice. There are so many people to learn from. Not everyone will say something you agree with, but if you get one thing from one coach or player and that one percent helps you, then you take it. I’ve been very blessed to take some of those learnings with me.”— @brandon_malvin
