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The top order batsman has been advised to rest and might only be able to come back in their second game next week.
“I want to start playing cricket as soon as possible but we cannot rush it since it is a medical condition. It all depends on how I respond to treatment though my wish is to be able to get enough game time because I want to play for Zimbabwe again,” said Ewing.
Ewing has been out since the beginning of the season and despite watching from the sidelines as his side got off to a slow start in theother two formats, he is still confident they will turn things around in defence of their title.
Tuskers have won the title for two successive seasons, a feat no other franchise has managed to achieve.
The side has a good blend of experience in players such as Charles Coventry who is set to keep the wicket, Keith Dabengwa, seamer Chris Mpofu, Terrence Duffin, and youthful prospects like Brian Chari, allrounder Keegan Meth and Njabulo Ncube.
They are also set to field their overseas players Sean Ervine and Moeen Ali who is joining them from Worcestershire.
But Tuskers should be approaching the match with more caution after losing both the Twenty20 and pro50 match to the same opponents earlier in the month.
“As defending champions we are obviously the team to beat. We have a big challenge to win the title three times in a row.
“If you look back to the last two seasons, our bowlers have won us the Logan Cup. We just hope that
they continue their good work. The batters would also need to step up and take off some pressure from them.
“It’s unfortunate I might not be able to feature in this game unless there is a great need. But as I have said there is no need to rush it since we have a strong batting line-up,” said Ewing.
Tuskers’ assistant coach Pollock Mubhobho said they were prepared for the encounter and he was confident that their batsmen would come to party.
“Our batting in the shorter versions was not up to scratch but we are happy that we improved in our last game against Rhinos. What we need is for our guys to stay for sometime at the crease and being a longer version, this is where our strength is and we will want to start on a good note,” said Mubhobho.
There is fierce competition for places in the team especially in bowling where there is Glen Querl, Thabo Mboyi, spinner Nyumbu, seamer Ncube, Mpofu and Meth.
The coming in of Ali also makes competition for a places even stiffer.
Mashonaland Eagles host Southern Rocks at Harare Sports Club starting this morning. Eagles coach Stanley Timoni said he was looking forward to a bountiful season following a promising start in the other two formats.
“These guys have been working hard and I am glad that some of our players who were injured are back in full fitness.
“We have been winning matches and we need to maintain the position so that we secure our place in the semifinals. But we have the Logan Cup matches coming and we need to be up for it.
“We are talking of three to four days of play here and in the case of bowlers someone should be prepared to bowl at something like 20 overs. So it needs people to be mentally tough, physically fit and above all to be smart,” said Timoni.
Mid West Rhinos have a bye and will only begin their quest next Tuesday against Southern Rocks away in Masvingo.
Fixtures
Eagles v Rocks at Harare (Harare Sports Club) Tuskers v Mountaineers (Queens Sports Club)
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