Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
GRAEME CREMER has certainly seen better days!
At the age of 38, the former Zimbabwe skipper is no longer the leg spinner last seen seven years ago in a Chevrons’ jersey as the grey hair has now given him a more distinguished and seasoned outlook.
What hasn’t diminished, however, is his love for the game of cricket and hunger for international action.
Cremer was yesterday a stand-out feature of the Chevrons’ training session as Zimbabwe gear up for their white-ball series against Sri Lanka which starts tomorrow at Harare Sports Club.
The series, which starts tomorrow and ends on September 7, features two One Day Internationals and three Twenty20 matches.
And given the opposition’s proficiency at spin bowling, Cremer appears a logical choice to give the Zimbabwe batters a run given the task that lies ahead.
It was on the sidelines of this training session that Cremer opened up on his seven-year hiatus from cricket, his return and what the future has in store for him.
Having last played for Zimbabwe in 2018, Cremer recently returned to domestic cricket and could be in contention for the T20 World Cup Qualifiers.
In fact, the T20 World Cup Qualifiers happen to be Cremer’s targeted return.
“Yeah, the World Cup qualifiers in September — that is definitely the plan,” said Cremer, on the prospects of a possible return.
“That is the goal.
“I feel like I’m ready. My skill level is right up there and I am feeling as healthy and fit as I could possibly be.
“So, ideally I want to play in the qualifiers,” he said.
Cremer, who led Zimbabwe between 2016 and 2018, gave up cricket for golf and then moved with his family to the United Arab Emirates, where his wife Merna works as a pilot.
He revealed that the decision to retire was mainly to help his young family.
“My return has been a long time coming and it was purely family commitment why I had to leave in the first place.
“The kids were really young but now they are a lot older and a lot more responsible and I feel like now is a great time to come back.
“It has been a while, probably too long, but better late than never.
“I missed cricket through it all and I was keenly following the whole time.
“Now that I am back, hopefully we can pick it up from where we left it,” he said.
Cremer last played international cricket in March 2018 and has been involved in coaching roles in Dubai, including with the Rajasthan Royals Academy.
He recently made his return to domestic cricket and has been playing in the National Premier League.
He has also lent his expertise to the Chevrons.
“It has been amazing being back with the boys to be honest.
“The goal was to get back into the system, starting with the NPL which I have played a few games and it has been a great experience.
“It has been really nice to be back here and to be able to train with the national guys again.
“Whenever I can, I will be around the national team guys when I’m not playing NPL.
“As much as I’m training and trying to get better, also being able to help out where I can is something I treasure,” he said.
Cremer’s presence appeared to be well-received, with the leg spinner spending a huge chunk of yesterday’s penultimate training session with batting coach Dion Ebrahim.
“Cremer is a vastly experienced player and having him here has been great,” said Ebrahim.
“He has both played at the top level and captained at that level, so he comes with a large amount of experience and knowledge.
“Having him around is always great,” he said.
