Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE coach Justin Sammons believes the upcoming One Day International series against reigning World champions Australia provides the perfect platform for the Chevrons to accelerate their preparations for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
The Australians arrived in Harare on Wednesday night ahead of a three-match ODI series that begins at Harare Sports Club next Tuesday.
Sammons said the series is a key part of the team’s long-term build-up to the 2027 World Cup, which Zimbabwe will co-host alongside South Africa and Namibia.
The Zimbabwe coach told ICC media that every fixture from now onwards constitutes World Cup preparation, with the Chevrons eager to build on the progress made in recent months. Sammons said Zimbabwe were hoping to replicate the meticulous planning that contributed to their successful campaign at the T20 World Cup held in India and Sri Lanka earlier this year.
His team has just returned from a T20I tri-nation series involving South Africa and Namibia in Windhoek and are now shifting attention to the touring cricket heavyweights.
“I think everything, to be honest, is geared towards the World Cup now. We talked about the T20 World Cup in time, and you can’t take it for granted.
“That’s even more the case in terms of our ODI (World Cup) preparation. So that’s a huge opportunity for us again, going into that World Cup or building into the World Cup and to be playing against top-level opposition like Australia,” said Sammons.
All three matches will be played at Harare Sports Club, with the second and third ODIs scheduled for September 18 and September 20.
The tour marks Australia’s first ODI visit to Zimbabwe in more than a decade. The last time the two sides met on Zimbabwean soil in the format was during a triangular series in 2014 that also featured South Africa.
Australia arrived in Harare seeking a return to winning ways after difficult ODI tours of Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Despite those setbacks, the visitors have named a strong squad to demonstrate the importance they attach to the series.
Sammons is under no illusion about the size of the challenge facing his team but believes the experience will be invaluable.
“It is going to be tough because we know they’re used to those conditions where these bounce, both from a batting point of view and a bowling point of view.
“But I think we’ve got to be brave enough to embrace that, to embrace playing tough cricket. We can’t just hope for sort of the easy option.
“So, I’m looking forward to that. We know it’s going to be a huge challenge, but one that we’ll embrace,” said Sammons.
Australia have recalled captain Mitch Marsh and explosive opener Travis Head after the pair missed the recent ODI assignments in Pakistan and Bangladesh. The selectors have, however, omitted Marnus Labuschagne following a lean run across formats, while promising youngsters Joel Davies and Ollie Peake have retained their places after impressing during the sub-continent tours. The Australian team is expected to proceed to South Africa soon after the series for another three-match ODI engagement with the Proteas later this month.
Selection chief George Bailey said the tours are also crucial to their preparation for next year’s World Cup.
“This six-game series is an important lead-in to next year’s World Cup, being played in the same countries, for the group.
“As such, it’s great to have Mitch (Marsh), Travis and Josh returning . . . This gives us our core of players mixed with some we think will continue to make an impression,” said Bailey.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe opening batter Ben Curran has been signed up by Olivine Industries as their brand ambassador. Curran joins teammate Blessing Muzarabani, who was incorporated into the Olivine family earlier this year.
“We are proud to welcome Zimbabwean international cricketer Ben Curran to the Olivine family as our new Brand Ambassador,” the company said in a statement.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting local talent and celebrating Zimbabweans whose journeys continue to inspire people both at home and abroad. “Ben’s discipline, consistency and pursuit of excellence embody the values that have defined Olivine since 1931. Together, we look forward to inspiring Zimbabweans and building a lasting legacy of excellence. Welcome to the team, Ben.”
