Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema-Zimpapers Sports Hub
RICHARD NGARAVA is a man of few words and would rather prefer his actions and results on the park define his legacy when all is said and done.
That was the biggest takeaway as the 28-year-old stood in front of the media for the first time since being appointed the captain of the Zimbabwe Chevrons’ Test and One-Day International (ODI) squad last December.
The Zimbabwe seamer is no stranger to sitting in front of the media and addressing it, but there was something different about yesterday’s presser. Something deeper than any words could put across.
Today, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh look to officially begin their one-off Test at Harare Sports Club.
The Test is part of an all-format series between the two nations as they will also square up in three ODIs and three T20 matches.
The lack of game time in Test and ODI cricket for Zimbabwe has delayed what is set to be a momentous occasion for Ngarava when the one-off Test match against Bangladesh officially begins.
“I feel honoured, happy and excited to lead this pack,” said Ngarava.
“This is something I won’t take for granted; it is a big responsibility and I look forward to what lies ahead of us as a group.”
It seems rather grandiose that Bangladesh becomes the first team Ngarava leads the Chevrons against. After all, the Asians are one of Zimbabwe’s biggest and fiercest rivals.
The two nations have a rich and deep history, particularly in the Test arena.
Zimbabwe have played the most Test matches against Bangladesh, who are currently tied with Sri Lanka at 20 Tests.
Of course, that tie ends today when Ngarava and his opposite number, Najmul Hossain Shanto, meet up at the middle of Harare Sports Club for the toss.
Pakistan, New Zealand and the West Indies are not too far behind with 19, 17 and 12 Test matches against Zimbabwe.
The Test between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh is also evenly poised as there is very little to separate the two in the head-to-head count.
Bangladesh carry a slight edge with nine victories as compared to Zimbabwe’s seven wins.
The two sides last met in a two-match series in Bangladesh in April and May last year, with the contest ending in a one-all draw.
Zimbabwe produced a memorable three-wicket victory in the opening Test of that series to register their first win in the format in four years before Bangladesh levelled the series in the second match.
History beckons for the Chevrons as a win will see Zimbabwe win their first back-to-back home Test.
Their last match was an innings and 73-run victory over Afghanistan last October.
Ngarava was the star of the show during that match, taking five wickets as Zimbabwe cruised to one of their most dominant Test victory.
The Zimbabwe seamer has also become only the third black Zimbabwe Test captain after the now-retired duo of Tatenda Taibu and Hamilton Masakadza.
“There’s a rich history there,” said Ngarava. The names mentioned are quite big and those are some of our legends.
“However, there was always going to be the passing of the torch or stick and now it’s my time to get the team forward.
“The goal here is to get as many Ws (wins) as possible for as long as my captaincy lasts.”
On the Test match against Bangladesh itself, Ngarava added: “Well, with cricket sometimes you really don’t know what’s coming or what to expect.
“What you can control or dictate is the attitude as you get onto the field. That positive mindset is what we want to carry as a team, just trying to play good cricket, and not really looking forward to things that we can’t control because you really don’t know what the cricketing gods are on a particular day.
“Playing at home is always the best and it will be nice to go out there and, hopefully, I can get as many more wickets for the country and the rest of the team as well.”
Across the aisle, Bangladesh skipper Shanto was also a man of few words in the lead-up to today’s contest.
The Bangladeshi team will be more game-ready as the Asians are fresh from some impressive performances against Australia and Pakistan.
“Yeah, obviously. I think if you look at the last few series, we have been playing very good cricket and have come here prepared,” said Shanto.
“We just need to make sure we are ready for the different condition and we have been preparing ourselves properly for just that for the last few weeks.
“I hope we will play some good cricket here. We have an idea of the conditions because a few players have been here before and they have been sharing their experiences with the new guys.”
On the history between the two nations, Shanto added: “If you look at both teams, they played good cricket and both had a very brilliant history I believe.
“They have been playing consistently for the last few years, so it will be a very good challenge for both teams.
“I hope we will have a very good match during the next few days.”
