adminLovemore Dube Sports Editor
BULAWAYO cricket is excited about playing hosts to one of the most powerful nations in the sport – India at the end of July.
The Indians will play Zimbabwe in five One Day Internationals with two set for Bulawayo. Tuskers franchise chief executive officer Stan Staddon described the tour as a welcome development for the game in Bulawayo and his franchise was ready to play host to the visitors.
He said they had continued working on the Queens Ground facility to ensure that when the Indians arrive, they find it in good condition.
“Its winter now, it’s hard to maintain pitches. We knew in advance that India would be coming so we continued to work on the stadium and all is going according to plan.
“We are happy India are coming and that the Queens Ground pitch will be in perfect condition for matches. Its looking good at the moment, otherwise we are waiting,” said Staddon with confidence.
The Indian tour of Zimbabwe begins on 24 July and ends on 3 August.
India will be in Zimbabwe soon after their tri-series involving West Indies and Sri Lanka.
Zimbabwe are in camp preparing for the series under assistant coach Steve Mangongo.
The first three matches will be played at Harare Sports Club and the last two at Queens in Bulawayo.
The tour is important as India provide box-office attraction and there is a huge television interest whereever they play.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwean-born batsman Gary Balance has been included in the England team to face New Zealand in a T20 series this month.
The former Mid West Rhinos player has been impressive at Yorkshire and has always looked set to make a breakthrough to the England national team.
Zim/India schedule
24 July – First ODI – Harare Sports Club, Harare
26 July – Second ODI – Harare Sports Club, Harare
28 July – Third ODI – Harare Sports Club, Harare
31 July – Fourth ODI – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
3 August – Fifth ODI – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.
Online Reporter