adminJeffrey Murimbechi
ELTON CHIGUMBURA and his men may not have headlined the final match of the triangular One Day International series which saw South Africa beating Australia by six wickets, but if anything, this series was a bold international testimony of Zimbabwe’s hospitality abilities.
Record crowds of well over 8 000 people attended the final at Harare Sports Club and the visiting teams had nothing else but praise for Zimbabwe Cricket, the country and the legion of fans who have the much needed zest to the world’s biggest ODI series of the year.
Despite Australia being knocked from their ICC number one spot as a result of their three-wicket loss to Zimbabwe, losing to the Proteas and India giving England a 3-0 series white wash — Australia’s George Bailey said he had “a whale of a time in Harare”.
“I really enjoyed my trip had a bit fun and saw some sites, got out and loved seeing the animals here and that is always a good sight.
It has been great and the crowds have been fantastic and it showed that they really appreciated a bit of international cricket.
There are guys who did a coaching clinic and they loved that too, everyone was really friendly,” said Bailey.
Prior to their African trip the men from Down Under had last been to Zimbabwe in their official capacity a decade ago — the long period was due to disagreements between boards, an unfavourable FTP programme and sour international relations.
There had been concerns raised by many critics of Zimbabwe in the past about logistics, safety and political unrest but this tour shattered all those myths. In fact, the likes of Bailey grew sentimental attachment to the sights and even considered using the beauty of sights to make marriage proposals.
“I told my girlfriend that I will ask her to marry me in Vic Falls and she ran the other way she was too scared to come over,” said Bailey, who confirmed that he would consider visiting Zimbabwe again outside a cricket assignment.
Australian national team media manager Matt Cenin also left a warm message of gratitude and acknowledgement for the way the tour went as there were no incidences that hindered the beautiful game of cricket from taking place, if anything, the game was the winner.
“The Australian squad very much enjoyed the tour of Zimbabwe and although we couldn’t come away with the series win on this occasion, we’ve very much appreciated the warm and friendly welcome from Zimbabweans and appreciated the generous hospitality we’ve received during the tour,” said Cenin.
Bowler of the series Dale Steyn who the locals fans were calling the “Steyn remover” wickets, has Zimbabwean roots and is no stranger to Zimbabwe as his grandparents live here thus this trip doubled up as a holiday for him he said.
“It was nice to have my family over, we have been on the road for a while since Sri Lanka. My family comes from Zimbabwe and I spent as much time as I could have with them here going fishing, braais and things like that just to make me feel at home,” said the reigning king of reverse swing. Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi made an audacious bid that Zimbabwe can host a soccer World Cup, after co-hosting a cricket World Cup and recently the UNWTO then surely there is an reasonable chance that Zimbabwe can host any major world sports tournament thanks to Zimbabwe Cricket’s proficiency.
Online Reporter