Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CHEVRONS coach Justin Sammons has called on his charges to show a lot more hunger and aggression as their clashes with visiting Ireland shift focus to the Twenty20 leg of the tour.
Zimbabwe are currently on a high following a much-needed One Day International (ODI) series win earlier this week, but Sammons is not content as he wants the Chevrons to be at their best and capitalise on the opponent’s mistakes.
“There have been moments that could have gone our way that didn’t, and that obviously hurt us in a sense,” said Sammons.
“However, I think the message is the same as what it’s always been.
“And that’s that we want to try and, in those moments, play to win the game and not wait for the opposition to make mistakes.
“I want them to actually go and grab the bull by the horns,” said the Chevrons coach.
Zimbabwe’s top order looks to have found their rhythm in the ODI series, which the Chevrons won 2-1, with opening batters raising their hands when it comes to helping the team win games.
It is something that has given the national team coach a sigh of relief.
“It is such an important part of the game in all three formats (opening partnership),” said the Chevrons.
“It was extremely pleasing to see Ben (Curran) and Brian (Bennet) doing well in the ODIs, and, obviously, Bennet and Marumani have also laid a good foundation in the T20 formats.
“We have seen some good opening partnerships in the Test format too.
“For me, that is such an important part, finding that opening pair across all three formats,” said Sammons.
With changes expected to be made in the T20I team, the Chevrons coach has attributed the depth of the national team selection to the competitiveness of the domestic league.
“We want our guys (national team players), once they have been with us, to go back to domestic cricket and completely dominate.
“For those that are not with us, we also want to see them dominating too.
“This is the only way in which competition for places becomes healthy.
“I think the key lies within depth competition for places.
“The greater the depth, the better for us,” said Sammons.
Following the conclusion of the ODI leg of Ireland’s visit, the two teams are now expected to meet once more for a three-match T20 series starting tomorrow at Harare Sports Club.
Ireland are then expected to conclude their tour with the second and third T20s slated for February 23 and 25.
