adminBrighton Zhawi Sports Reporter
FORMER Zimbabwe cricketer Raymond Price believes spinners will have a crucial role to play despite conditions expected to favour fast bowlers at the forthcoming 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Zimbabwe, who are set to leave for New Zealand tomorrow, were joined by the 38-year-old former international left arm orthodox at their final practice at Harare Sports Club yesterday.
The players are also set to meet the fans at a farewell function at Town House in Harare today between 12pm and 2pm.
They will have photo opportunities with the supporters and will also sign autographs. Deputy Mayor Thomas Muzuva will grace the event.
Zimbabwe have been placed in Group B together with South Africa, India, Pakistan, West Indies, Ireland and United Arab Emirates.
Price, who played 102 ODIs for Zimbabwe before retiring from the game, yesterday said more should be expected from the spinners.
“They have a crucial role, especially in the middle overs. Just that change of pace, if the seamers don’t get wickets upfront, the change of pace often get wickets.
“The spinners have relatively not much experience, so they are still trying to learn, it’s nice to be able to help them.
“I was helping them deal with certain situations and just giving them a little bit of confidence as well. You don’t have to be special, you just have to land the ball in good areas and have good plans,” said Price.
Price featured at the last World Cup in 2011 and in his place leg-spinner Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Sikandar Raza Butt and Stuart Matsikenyeri look to provide the spin options for Zimbabwe following the ban on Prosper Utseya to use his off-spin.
Zimbabwe’s attack is expected to be fronted by Tinashe Panyangara and Tendai Chatara, while Tawanda Mupariwa was also included as back-up.
Price said Kamungozi, despite his inexperience, would be a key bowler for the team.
“He knows what he is doing, he has got some good plans, he does well in the Powerplay, he bowled well in Bangladesh. So I think he will do well, it will be a good learning curve as well.
“I have told him to try speak to as many people as he can in Australia and to learn as much as he can. That’s the whole secret with cricket,” said Price.
The former Mashonaland Eagles players also believes Utseya could be crucial weapon with his off cutters.
“It’s still like re-learning. So he is still working on different variations. He has got quite a long road ahead but credit to him, he is bowling and doing well again.
“I saw he did well against Canada, bowling with his new upright seamers.
“He likes to work hard and he is very clever with bowling and his field sets, he has got a lot of experience. I think it will be a matter of time until we see him come right again.”
Online Reporter