dyton mupawaenda
Don Makanyanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER Chevrons coach Dave Houghton believes the revival of the cordial relations between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom will play a significant role in developing the sport in the country.
The upcoming Test match between the two sides, set for May 22-25, has brought excitement to cricket stakeholders from both countries.
Houghton, who has played and coached for the English Cricket county sides, is one of the top cricket figures looking forward to the match which comes after more than two decades.
“I have been looking forward to this match, from the day it was announced! I played a lot of cricket against individual and team players from England,” said Houghton.
He believes that resuscitation of cordial relations between the two international cricket bodies will play a key role in the development of the sport in the country, as it did in the yesteryears for local cricketers.
“I played a lot of cricket against individual and team players from England. I believe it played a huge role in my own and other players’ careers. It is great to see that connection with English cricket growing again,” said the former Chevrons coach.
Houghton is of the opinion that sport will benefit from the relations.
“As with all sports, success breeds success. It also breeds popularity and therefore more young kids wanting to play cricket! Hopefully the wider the base the higher the top.
“We must make sure that we have the logistics in place to cope with the rapidly rising numbers of budding young cricketers.
“That means facilities to play and easily accessible kit, equipment and balls,” said Houghton.
With the two sides squaring up in a single Test, Houghton believes Zimbabwe has what it takes to compete against the Three Lions in their own backyard.
“With only one test to play and against a formidable opponent in their own environment, don’t expect too much from our team.
“However, the month they spend in the UK, practicing, playing matches with Leicestershire and SA, let’s hope we see evidence of their learning and their experience as they developed,” said Houghton.
Leading the bandwagon of enthusiasm for the historic Test is the UK Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pete Vowles.
The Ambassador has revealed that the historic Test which will be played for the first time in 22-years will contribute to a broader strengthening of ties between the two countries.
The excitement of the Test has seen Vowles vowing to put on a divided shirt bearing the flags of the two countries.
“I met the Zimbabwe team before they went to Bangladesh, and they were buzzing with excitement. I also visited the ECB in London, they’re just as thrilled about this.
“I’ll be there at Trent Bridge. I’m not sure who to support, maybe a shirt that’s half Zimbabwe and half England!
“But really, I’ll be cheering for the spirit of sport and what this means for our countries,” Vowles was quoted by the local media last month.
Online Reporter