Mumba’s need for speed

Brighton Zhawi

CHEVRONS’ latest Test cricketer Carl Mumba has set his sights on hitting the 140km/hr mark. The 21-year-old, who became Zimbabwe’s 100th Test player when he debuted against Sri Lanka last October, has been sweating it out in the gym and the nets in search of high bowling speed.Mumba bowled deliveries which threatened to reach 140km/hr when he featured in the series against Sri Lanka and is confident of getting better.

Crucially Mumba appreciates the amount of work he has to put into his game to reach the impressive mark.

“It is every seamer’s dream to bowl those speeds and I am working hard on getting to those levels,” he said.

“It really felt good clocking such speeds against Sri Lanka. I have worked on my pace, spending hours in the gym and I aim to continue working hard in order to be consistent.” The tall bowler’s Test debut nearly got off to an amazing start.

Mumba’s first ball got the outside edge of Dimuth Karunaratne and flew over backward point where a back-tracking Sean Williams could not snuffle the chance despite touching the ball.

“It was always going to be a special moment knowing you have made history, 100th player, 100th Test and (getting a) wicket first ball but chances are missed in this game.

“On debut, nerves always come into play but I just told myself to do whatever that got me into the team. Believing in myself was key,” he said.

After tasting the pinnacle of cricket, the Midwest Rhinos player is looking ahead with great ambition.

“I never thought I would open the bowling for my country in 2016 but by the grace of God it happened.

“I have realised that there is need for more hard work now, I have to keep on raising the bar…aiming to be the best in the world. I want to be that guy that wins games for my country,” said Mumba.