Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
GIVEN a choice, Zimbabwe coach Justin Sammons and captain Brian Bennett would likely prefer a pitch that offers a greater role to the bowlers for the second Test against Afghanistan that begins today at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.
Both Zimbabwe and Afghanistan were left frustrated after the first Test ended in a long-drawn-out stalemate, played on an unusually batter-friendly surface that offered nothing at all to the bowlers during the five days.
Massive totals were posted, including individual and team milestones, as seven centuries were scored in that match. Zimbabwe captain Bennett, veteran Brendan Taylor, Wessly Madhevere and double centurion Craig Ervine were among the standout performers, while Afghanistan also had their batting heroes in Sediqullah Atal, debutant Rahmanullah Zarma Khan and skipper Rahmat Shah.
Bowlers struggled as an aggregate of 1 500-plus runs were harvested in the match. Sammons believes it will be difficult to produce a winner in the second Test if the batting track is unchanged.
“At the end of the day, I think taking the conditions into account it was always going to be hard to get a result on that wicket. You know, it really was very, very one-sided,” said Sammons.
“You want a fair contest and I don’t think this wicket produced a fair contest. Like I said, it was very one-sided batter-friendly. It assisted the bowlers in absolutely no way at all.
“Given the conditions, I think it was going to be extremely difficult for any team to get 20 wickets out there.
“So, hopefully they produce a wicket that allows for a result and gives the bowlers obviously something to work with, and challenges the batters.
“Ultimately, you want results in Test cricket, and you want a fair challenge, and I hope they can produce something that obviously does that,” said Sammons.
Zimbabwe are looking to get consolation from the final Test to atone for a difficult tour of the UAE, where they are being hosted by the Afghans.
The Chevrons have suffered heavy losses in the limited overs formats. They were dominated by Afghanistan in the triangular series that included Bangladesh, losing twice to the same opponents in the competition.
That setback was followed by a 3-0 whitewash in the T20I series.
Zimbabwe looked poised to make a stronger statement in the first Test. However, after posting 504 in their first innings, they watched Afghanistan respond with 514.
The visitors then batted with greater purpose in their second innings and declared at 523/5 before the captains agreed to a draw.
However, Zimbabwe attracted criticism for opting against an adventurous declaration that might have created the possibility of a result on the final day.
Instead, they continued batting, pursuing personal and team milestones.
Sammons defended the approach, insisting conditions offered little prospect of taking 10 wickets in the time available.
“We obviously wanted to bat up until 20 minutes before lunch and then assess whether we felt conditions were deteriorating enough where there would be a realistic opportunity for us to pick up 10 wickets within two sessions,” said Sammons.
“The wicket never deteriorated at all and ultimately the decision was then made that it’s not realistic to expect 10 wickets in two sessions or one and a half sessions on that deck.
“So, it was pointless putting extra overs into our bowlers given that they had batted 170 overs in their first innings.
So yeah, the decision was made, that obviously looking long-term into the series we would continue to bat.”
The head-to-head record between the sides remains evenly balanced, with both teams registering two victories each, while two matches have ended in draws since their first Test meeting in 2021.
However, Bennett insisted Zimbabwe were focused on finding a way to securing victory.
“I think there might be a lot of homework to do just to find out ways on how to take 20 wickets and win a Test match. But we don’t really know what to expect for the next Test match conditions-wise.
So, we’ll just try and stay as ready as possible,” said Bennett.
