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ZIMBABWE skipper Craig Ervine had a chance to inspect the Civil Service Cricket Ground in Belfast and believes playing the long patient game will be the key to success when the Chevrons begin their historic Test against Ireland today.
With its lush, green outfield and the iconic Stormont Estate situated behind it, the Civil Service Cricket Ground in Belfast is a picturesque addition to the list of Test grounds.
And today, when Ireland plays Zimbabwe, it will become the 123rd venue to host a men’s Test match.
Ireland are playing only their ninth Test in six years and are going into their maiden fixture against Zimbabwe on the back of a victory in their previous Test match.
After losing their first seven Tests, they finally won one in March, against Afghanistan in UAE, and will aim to complete a second successive win in their last Test of the year.
However, the Zimbabwe contingent will be out to stop that from happening.
“There is a lot more on offer for bowlers and for longer periods as well,” said the Chevrons’ skipper on the eve of the match yesterday.
“As a batting group, the plan is to be as patient as you can, and when the ball doesn’t move around much, you capitalise on those periods.
“However, you always have to keep a tight defence, because the ball is going to move for a long period.
“You can never relax as a batter,” he said.
Zimbabwe goes into the match as clear favourites but that is only on paper and due to the fact Ireland are newcomers to the Test arena. The Chevrons are one of their lowest points in international cricket after missing out on the most recent ODI and T20I World Cups.
They are not part of the World Test Championship either.
The Chevrons have also won only two Tests since 2013 – none since 2021 — and have not played the format in over 12 months.
As a result, the duo of skipper Ervine and Sean Williams will have to lead from the front as the most seasoned campaigners on the park today with 20 and 14 Tests respectively. — Wires/Zimpapers Sports Hub
Online Reporter