Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
RICHARD NGARAVA walked into his first Test as Zimbabwe captain with history on his mind.
By the time the match ended, the left-arm fast bowler had done exactly that, leading Zimbabwe to an innings-and-85-run victory over Bangladesh and becoming only the third captain to win a Test on debut.
The triumph also delivered Zimbabwe’s first back-to-back innings victories in Test cricket, an early statement from a captain who believes the team’s best days lie ahead.
“To be honest, as I walked into this Test match, there was one thing on my mind, and that was making history,” Ngarava said.
“I was quite surprised when the news came my way. But to some extent, there were a few hints before the actual announcement came.”
If there was any doubt about how much the appointment meant within the dressing room, it disappeared almost immediately.
Former Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza was among the first to pick up the phone.
“It was really nice to have a message from Sikandar Raza, the brother who was so close to me,” said Ngarava.
“He was one of the first ones to give me a call and say you’ve been appointed.”
The calls and messages kept coming until Ngarava eventually switched off his phone.
“After receiving that news, I think I left my phone for more than three hours because messages and phone calls were just coming in,” he said. “I had to put flight mode on.”
For someone who admits he rarely shows emotion, it was an overwhelming moment.
“I don’t really express emotions, but I was just quite happy. I made sure from within me I’m excited and ready to take responsibility for the team,” he said.
That quiet temperament has long defined Ngarava.
He has never been the loudest figure in Zimbabwe cricket, preferring to let his performances speak for him.
Now, those same qualities have earned him the responsibility of leading the country’s Test side.
“The team is made up of guys who come up with ideas. As soon as we apply ourselves, it becomes easy. We do everything together and that makes us go forward,” said Ngarava.
“The respect they give me as a captain, I respect that a lot. Every now and then there’s a suggestion. These are the guys who’ve been around for quite some time.
“Every time they suggest something my way, I’m quite ready to take it in or out. But at the end of the day, I make the final decision as a captain.”
For Ngarava, the Bangladesh victory should become a foundation rather than a destination.
“Zimbabwe have never won back-to-back Test series or any other series, so it’s quite special to be winning back-to-back series,” he said.
“Hopefully, we can get more Ws, that is, wins, as a nation. That’s going to set the nation on a high and get to be recognised out there.”
That belief was forged during Zimbabwe’s demanding Test schedule against England, South Africa and New Zealand.
The Chevrons endured a difficult series against some of the world’s strongest sides, often coming second best, but gaining valuable experience along the way.
Ngarava believes those defeats helped shape the performances Zimbabwe are now producing.
“We had a long year and we had tough oppositions. When we played all those Test matches against England, South Africa and New Zealand, it was quite a tough schedule,” he said.
“But of course, we learned quite a lot out of that. The results that are coming now are a result of learning from those bad moments we had before.”
He added: “What I have in mind is to just try and make sure the team goes forward and the team gets to dominate as much as possible.
“It’s a responsibility which came my way and I’ll never take that for granted. I grab it with both hands and I want to take the team forward.”
