Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WITH Durham Cricket County in the country for the fourth consecutive year for their pre-season preparations, Zimbabwe Cricket has hailed the development as key in the development of the game in the country.
This year will be a historic one as both the men’s and women’s teams are touring the country.
The men’s team arrived in the country on Friday while the women’s team is expected later this week.
ZC managing director, Givemore Makoni, believes the consistent touring of the country by the English county side plays a significant role in the development of the sport in the country.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our local cricketers, both men and women, to gain exposure to high-level competitive cricket,” he said.
“Playing against a well-established county side like Durham will help our players sharpen their skills, gain valuable experience and prepare for future international assignments,” said Makoni.
The Durham men’s team are scheduled to play two three-day encounters against the Zimbabwe A side.
The matches are scheduled for from Wednesday to Friday and from March 18-20 at Takashinga Sports club.
As part of their preparations for The English Vitality T20 Blast, Durham will participate in the domestic T20 competition.
Durham director of cricket, Marcus North told the county side’s website that they were excited to be visiting Zimbabwe for their season’s preparations hailing the relations they have built with the local cricket motherboard.
“We are extremely excited to be returning back to Zimbabwe for our pre-season tour after receiving an invitation from Zimbabwe Cricket.
“Having returned last year, it was a great experience for the lads, which set us up perfectly for our successful 2023 season.
“Our players and staff will gain valuable experience along with match preparation against quality opposition leading into our summer.
“As our successful winter training is coming to a close this tour will provide fantastic preparation for the lads.
“We have built up a strong relationship with Cricket Zimbabwe and this trip enables us to further work alongside an international governing body, we are very thankful to Cricket Zimbabwe for their support on this tour,” said North.
