Slow bowlers might help Zimbabwe

Dean du Plessis, Cricket Correspondent
NO one knew what to expect when the two teams arrived at Queens Sports Club for the second day’s play yesterday.

The first day ended with both teams evenly balanced.

If Hamilton Masakadza had departed early, the Windies would have been into what has up to this point been a brittle lower order, and would have more than likely dismissed Zimbabwe for less than 200.

Had Masakadza continued where he left off on the previous evening, any total would have been possible.

Both overnight batsmen Hamilton Masakadza and Sikandar Raza Butt looked well set and not only did they negotiate the first hour without incident, but they also upped the scoring rate considerably before Masakadza’s untimely slog-sweep saw him depart for a truly magnificent 147.

His combination of attack and defence as well as the responsibility he showed when the team was under the cosh was remarkable, and it allowed Raza to get settled and then express himself.

Both Malcolm Waller and Regis Chakabva continue to disappoint with the bat, and had there been a third Test in the series, both would probably have made way for Chamu Chibhabha and young Nyasha Mayavo.

West Indies would have been happy to have wrapped up proceedings after the dismissals of Masakadza and Raza, and then went about their innings in a very safe, almost cautious manner, which suggests that they may possibly be content with playing for a draw.

Tendai Chisoro was impressive with his left arm spin and showed good variations of pace throughout his spells, though the inclusion of only one front-line seamer still remains a huge question mark.

Zimbabwe do, however, have a variety of slow bowlers to work with, and will be aware that one wicket could easily lead to a cluster of wickets on a pitch which should undoubtedly assist Graeme Cremer and the rest of the spinners on day three.