Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CRAIG Ervine isn’t sulking.
The Chevrons captain is choosing to see the silver linings.
Fresh off a humbling innings defeat to England in Nottingham, Ervine says Zimbabwe’s month-long tour of England was less about results and more about lessons.
“The experience, on and off the field, I think was fantastic,” said Ervine.
“Getting to play England and feeling what it’s like to perform in front of a big crowd at Trent Bridge was great.
“The atmosphere, especially with our Zimbabwean support, was electric. It really spurred the guys on.”
The Chevrons were rolled over inside three days in the historic one-off four-day Test at Trent Bridge, losing by an innings and 46 runs.
They also fell to a First Class Counties XI by 138 runs in Leicester and drew a rain hit warm-up match against South Africa behind closed doors.
But the captain isn’t dwelling on the numbers.
“It was also great to move around, starting in Leicester, then to Nottingham, and finishing down south in Portsmouth.
“We got to explore the countryside and even got a tour of Lord’s.
“I’ve played cricket for a long time and had never been to Lord’s, so that was a real highlight.”
Crucially, England didn’t hold back.
The hosts named a full-strength side featuring Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope, and Ervine was glad for it.
“It’s always good to play a top side. It gives you a clear gauge of where you are, both as a team and individually.
“Our bowlers got to test themselves against world-class players.
“And their bowling attack was top class too, so it was great for our batters to see where they stand.”
Ervine admitted Zimbabwe’s slow start in the Test was decisive.
“We didn’t hit our straps early. England got nearly 500 on the first day and that put us under pressure straight away.
“That’s something we must improve on, starting strong in a Test.”
The skipper also took heart from the curiosity shown by his squad.
“The guys were excited to see how the top players prepare.
“Some were watching Root and Stokes closely on matchdays, learning from the little things.
“After the game, we went into the England dressing room, and it was great to see our guys asking questions and soaking it all in.”
Now, all eyes turn to the next challenge – a two-Test home series against South Africa.
The Proteas are currently in England for the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s but are set to head to Zimbabwe immediately after.
The first Test is set for June 28 to July 2, followed by the second from July 6 to 10.
Both matches will be played at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
