Whatmore upbeat

Tinashe Kusema
ZIMBABWE cricket team coach Dav Whatmore says the resurrection of the Zimbabwe A side is key to reversing the country’s fortunes. Speaking to this publication ahead of the tour by Pakistan the veteran coach noted that a more active Zimbabwe A side gives selectors some positive headaches while putting pressure on some under-performing national team veterans.
“I cannot stress enough the need to keep improving,” he said.

“We were a little bit better in the recent tour against New Zealand than we were against India, despite the wins not necessarily coming our way.
“We are certainly headed in the right direction. All that’s left is to instil some winning mentality into the boys and the rest will take care of itself.”

Whatmore is delighted that Ireland, Afghanistan and Bangladesh A will be visiting to face Zim A before the end of the year.
“I want to stress my joy at the fact Zimbabwe Cricket is finally throwing some games at the Zimbabwe A side. Without competition, it’s difficult to achieve anything isn’t it?

“I’m glad ZC is finally giving us the games we have been craving for, especially as far as the Zim A is concerned. They were just at the Africa Cup tournament and I hear they are going to play Ireland, Afghanistan and Bangladesh A before the year is through.

“Having the Zim A squad active also allows the opportunity to try out and assess some players’ progress, ability and readiness to qualify into the senior national team. That to me is a big step,” he said.