Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo,m Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE head coach Justin Sammons, has urged patience with the national cricket team’s emerging generation, cautioning that international cricket requires time and resilience to master.
Speaking after Zimbabwe’s 2–0 Test series defeat to New Zealand at Queens Sports Club, Sammons said the young players stepping into the Chevrons’ set-up are still learning to adapt to the demands of top-level cricket.
“We have to be patient with the young guys. They are learning their art in international cricket, which is difficult,” Sammons said. “Look at Devon Conway, for example. I spent a bit of time with him when he was in South Africa. At 21, he was fighting to get his place in the provincial team — he was in and out, trying to work his way into that side.
We have a young Bennett, the same age, who is now having to learn his craft at the highest level against the very best opposition. It takes time.”
Sammons’ comments followed a challenging series for 20-year-old batter Brian Bennett, who struggled against the Black Caps.
The coach said Bennett’s difficulties were part of a normal learning curve and urged fans to assess young players based on long-term development rather than short-term statistics.
The series also coincided with increasing speculation about the return of former Chevrons captain Graeme Cremer, who has been absent from international cricket since 2018. Cremer is now playing locally and recently made his debut for Takashinga
Patriots 1 in the National Premier League.
Sammons welcomed the competition for places that Cremer’s return could bring, saying it might push younger players to raise their standards.
“We can talk about Vincent (Masekesa) — he obviously has the same skill set as Graeme. If you look at his career, he hasn’t played a lot of cricket. Even though he is 27, he is still young in terms of development.
If you compare him to Graeme at the same stage in their careers, there won’t be a big difference.
“Competition for places is healthy and hopefully it drives the younger guys to work harder.
They need to work harder. There is no shortcut in international cricket, no shortcut to success, no shortcut to being the best in the world. It comes from hard work, and that competition will hopefully inspire that,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s next challenge is a white-ball series against Sri Lanka, scheduled from August 29 to September 7 at Harare Sports Club, featuring two ODIs and three T20Is.
