Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
JUSTIN SAMMONS says the real story of Zimbabwe’s innings-and-85-run victory over Bangladesh is the players, not him.
The Chevrons coach has watched his side dominate in recent months and deliver the country’s biggest Test win.
Yet he insists credit belongs to the squad.
“Yeah, this was a great performance by the guys, and I am really, really happy for them,” Sammons said.
“What pleased me was the manner of the win. Bangladesh had just beaten Pakistan 2-0 and had seven wins from their last eight Tests coming into this match.”
Zimbabwe bowled Bangladesh out for 140 on day one, replied with 410 led by Innocent Kaia’s maiden 140, and wrapped up the match by dismissing the tourists for 185.
It delivered a first back-to-back Test series win after the innings-and-75-run victory over Afghanistan last October.
Sammons said adapting to Harare’s bounce was key.
“Bangladesh really struggled to cope with the extra bounce after coming from the sub-continent, where the bounce is lower.
“Our batters handled the seamers better than their batters handled ours,” he said.
He reserved special praise for captain Richard Ngarava and the seam quartet.
“Richard was brilliant,” said Sammons.
“It was a great first match from him as captain, leading really well from the front.
“He let his actions do all the talking, which was superb.
“I think he must be very proud of the way he went about his business over these last few days.
“In fact, the entire bowling attack was brilliant.
Kaia’s century justified his selection, the coach added:
“He knocked the door down with domestic performances and in that Zimbabwe A game in Bangladesh.
“He played his natural game and batted beautifully.”
The historic win came just days after the Zimbabwe Cricket board backed Sammons and his staff. At a June 23 board meeting, the Chevrons’ coaching team was retained after the T20 World Cup Super Eight run.
Courtney Walsh was appointed substantive bowling coach after a consultancy stint, joining batting coach Dion Ebrahim and fielding coach Stuart Matsikenyeri.
“The Board is pleased to endorse these appointments. They represent a strong blend of experience, continuity and fresh perspectives,” chairperson Tavengwa Mukuhlani said.
“We believe that it will help advance our strategic objectives across our national teams and player pathway structures,” he said.
Zimbabwe now turn to white-ball cricket with three One Day Internationals at Harare Sports Club scheduled for July 6-11 and three T20s at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo from July 15-19. With the one-off Test done and dusted, Sammons wants his charges to go out there and finish the job when the white-ball leg of the series begins.
