Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE A cricket coach Eric Chauluka has hailed the just-ended first-class series against English County side Durham as crucial for player development – despite a 2-0 series whitewash.
Zimbabwe A lost both three-day matches played in Harare, with Durham winning the first by a massive 347 runs before sealing the series with a seven-wicket victory last Thursday.
But in the wake of the defeats, Chauluka maintained that the experience gained was more valuable than the results.
“Inasmuch as we would have wanted to get a win, it couldn’t be,” said Chauluka.
“But looking at the bigger picture, I feel that this series was a good learning opportunity for most of the players.”
He added that the matches offered a much-needed platform for fringe national team players and promising youngsters to test themselves against quality opposition.
Tafadzwa Tsiga, fighting for a return to the national team, stood out with scores of 64 not out and 76 in the second match, even though his efforts couldn’t save Zimbabwe A from defeat.
Matthew Welch also chipped in with a determined 61 in the same innings.
“Apart from the learning experience, you could also see that this was a platform for upcoming players to showcase their talent against a quality side,” Chauluka said.
“It was great to see some guys raise their hands – the likes of Tafadzwa Tsiga, Matthew Welch, and Kundai Matigimu in the last three-day match.”
With Zimbabwe set to tour England in May for a one-off Test against the Three Lions, Chauluka believes the Durham series served as an important preparatory phase.
“We had a few senior players in the team against Durham, and as the country prepares for the Test in England, this was a great chance for the players to get a taste of the conditions and the level of intensity to expect,” he said.
Chauluka also praised the strong relationship between Zimbabwe Cricket and Durham, who have regularly toured the country in recent years for pre-season training.
“Durham are a professional side and what they bring to Zimbabwe is quality,” he said.
“What we have is a win-win situation, and the relationship is beneficial to both parties.
“Our conditions are ideal for their pre-season, and in turn, our players benefit from high-quality match experience – crucial before stepping into the national setup.”
