Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE cricket coach Justin Sammons says Zimbabwe’s tour of England will be full value for their money as they look to gauge their status in terms of red-ball cricket during the one-off Test against the hosts in Nottingham next week. The rare test match between the sides will take place at Trent Bridge from May 22.
It is more significant for the Chevrons, who are touring the English shores for the first time since 2003.
The return to England comes at a time when Zimbabwe are rebuilding their red-ball programme, coming hard on the heels of a hard-fought 1-1 series draw against Bangladesh.
England is one of the world’s strongest Test teams, especially at home. Competing against such a formidable side will test Zimbabwe’s skills, resilience, and mental strength.
Sammons believes Zimbabwe needs this kind of competition to reassert themselves in world cricket.
“It’s why you play the game. You want to play against the best and, obviously, England are one of the best Test teams in the world,” he said.
“And it really gives us a gauge as to where we are and what we need to do moving forward. But the guys have a real belief that they belong, and I’m looking forward to seeing them go out there with their chests puffed out and walking out there like they do belong in the space.” The Chevrons arrived in England at the weekend and had their first training session on Monday amid reports that the mood is buzzing in their camp. Despite the long travel and unfamiliar conditions, Sammons said the players were embracing the challenge of competing in one of Test cricket’s most prestigious settings.
“They’ve got great energy. The group is really excited. I mean, I don’t think you can get anything better than coming and playing Test cricket in England,” he said.
“So, you know, I think it’s just naturally energising the group, and they are super excited to get going. Super excited!” Zimbabwe held their first training session in Leicester on Monday and Sammons was excited with the commitment demonstrated by his players.
“Good day,” he summed up.
“Obviously, we had a long journey from Harare to Leicestershire. So, you know, Sunday was a day off in terms of our recovery — Curtly (Diesel, the strength and conditioning coach) had the guys switched on to that,” he said.
“And then today was our first session out in the field and in the nets. I think it was excellent. Just a nice technical session. Guys are ticking their boxes there. So, yeah, happy with the way it went.”
Before taking on England, Zimbabwe will fine-tune their preparations with a four-day warm-up match against a First-Class Counties XI from 15 to 18 May at the Uptonsteel County Ground in Leicester.
With 10 days of build-up before the Nottingham Test, including the four-day warm-up match, Sammons is confident Zimbabwe will be well prepared for the occasion. “I think our preparation is excellent. We’ve got 10 days ahead of us of good prep. So, yeah, I don’t think we could ask for anything more than that,” he said.
“It’s great to get a warm-up game, which is exciting. And then, obviously, as we head into Nottingham, a couple more practices there. So, yeah, like I said, from a preparation point of view, I don’t think we can complain.”
Following the Test against England, Zimbabwe will take on South Africa in a four-day encounter from June 3 to 6 at Arundel, a match that will serve as crucial preparation for the Proteas ahead of their ICC World Test Championship final against Australia, set to take place at Lord’s from 11 to 15 June.
