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Don Makanyanga
Sports Reporter
THE Chevrons will shift focus from the limited overs to the five-day format on Thursday as they take on Ireland in a historic one-off Test match.
The first Test match between the two countries is set for Stormont Cricket Ground in Belfast.
It is the second assignment for newly-appointed Chevrons coach Justin Sammons, who assumed office at the start of the month.
Sammons watched his new charges suffer a 4-1 T20I series defeat against world champions India at Harare Sports Club.
He will use the match against Ireland to assess the players’ Test credentials.
“I would say that in our Test against Ireland we would want to see and find out how the players can cope with the pressures of Test Cricket,” said Sammons.
“The shift from white-ball to red ball, especially the shift from T20 to Test cricket is a big one.
“I think it is going to be a big challenge for most of the players who were involved in the T20 series just in terms of simplifying their game plan and staying disciplined in their game plan.
“We are looking forward to seeing how they handle various pressures of the red ball.
“It has been a long time since a Test was played and I believe it’s over a year and some players like Sean Williams, who are your experienced players, have not played in three years” said Sammons.
With one of Zimbabwe leading cricketers Sikandar Raza out of the one-off Test, Sammons believes the presence of captain Craig Ervine and all-rounder Sean Williams will come in handy for his charges.
“Raza is unavailable for this Test match, obviously, we would have loved to have had him with us.
“We know the value that he adds in all aspects of the game and the team. We wish him the best in his campaign in the 100s.
“It is great to have both Craig and Sean in the squad as our experienced players and the youngsters have that chance to pick up their brains and feed as much as possible from the experience which is exciting,” said Sammons.
He added:
“It’s about finding the balance, trying to get to know the players and at the same time wanting to win.
“Test cricket is about creating the environment that allows players to bring the best version of themselves.
“Every time you step onto the field you play to win and with international cricket there are pressures that go with that and they’re pressures that you get addicted to and love,” he said.
Online Reporter