Sundaymail Editor
Sports Reporter
AS he heard his name being called out for the match-day squad to face Namibia in the third T20 International, marking his long-awaited cricket debut for Zimbabwe, Brad Evans could just not wait to break the news to his dad.
His father, Craig Evans, is a former Zimbabwe international.
Brad always wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps.
“When I found out on the Friday night that I was going to make my debut on Saturday, I couldn’t wait to get out of the team meeting to call my dad and tell him it was happening,” recalled Brad.
Upon hearing the news, the senior Evans shelved all his plans and embarked on the 440-kilometre journey from Harare to Bulawayo to be in the stands and witness his son making his debut for the Chevrons.
Not only did Craig get the chance to witness his son take his bow for Zimbabwe, he was also tasked with handing an international cap to his son, which was a surreal experience for the Evans family.
“After I broke the news to him, he (Craig) immediately said: ‘I am leaving Harare at 5.30am. I will be there.’
“That that was a special feeling for me.
“I think it’s special for anyone to make their debut, regardless of country, format or occasion, but I think it becomes more special when you can be presented your first cap by your father,” said Brad.
“Not only because he is your dad but he is seeing his son achieve what he did himself a few years ago. It’s a handing over of the baton.”
All seemed to be perfect until the third match of his international series.
“I only managed to get a wicket in my third game (the final game), which was a nice feeling, but overshadowed by the fact we lost the game and the series.
“Bitter-sweet is a pretty appropriate way of putting it.
“For me, the series was a bit of a roller-coaster as it was tough to begin with, sitting on the sidelines. Then to get called up and win on my debut was high, but then to lose the following two games really hurt.
“But, above all, it was a memorable one (Series) for sure.” Brad said.
Now that he has made his national team break, he continues to dream big.
“I think being quite young and being part of the next generation to rise through the ranks of Zimbabwe Cricket, I don’t just want to do well. “I want to make a difference and hopefully be part of something big in future.
“Whether that means captaining my country or just being a player of stature on and off the field.
“I think Zimbabwe cricket is on its way up, and, hopefully I can be part of it when we do show the rest of the world that.”
Online Reporter