Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S decision to shift their one-off Test against Afghanistan from Bulawayo to Harare turned out to be a masterstroke and captain Craig Ervine has now lifted the lid on what led to the change.
This year has been a busy one for the Chevrons who have featured in ten Test matches, seven at home and three away in Bangladesh and England.
Until this past week, every home fixture had been hosted at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
But, for the first time this year, they took the red ball game to Harare Sports Club, and finally broke a 12 year home drought with a thumping innings and 73 run win.
It was Zimbabwe’s biggest Test victory by an innings, and Ervine said the decision to move north was part of a calculated tactical plan.
“We looked at it as a great opportunity, playing Afghanistan here in Harare,” said Ervine.
“The conditions suited us slightly more than, probably, conditions in Bulawayo, they would suit them a little bit more.
“We felt that with the inexperience they have in their squad, we could capitalise on that. Winning the toss and bowling first, when you’ve got four seamers, you think everything’s in your favour, but you still have to go through your processes and execute.”
The captain hailed his team’s sharp fielding as a key difference.
“One department that was exceptional in this Test was the catching. I don’t think we put one catch down.
“We had some brilliant grabs and if you want to win Tests, you have to take those. Tsiga was brilliant,” he said.
Ervine also credited the experience gained from taking on elite sides earlier in the year.
“I’ve taken a lot from the experiences against England, South Africa, and New Zealand,” he said.
“What guys learnt, especially from New Zealand, was how to deal with testing conditions.
“Going into this game, we felt that if you get through that new ball phase and stay patient, the runs do come. Their spin wasn’t as accurate, so that took a bit of pressure off and allowed the scoreboard to keep moving.”
He added that Zimbabwe’s bowlers showed balance and control throughout the match.
“It’s a nice job for me to have four fast bowlers who want the ball,” said Ervine.
“Richard was hot, so we gave him a longer spell. In the first innings he struggled a little, so we kept him to shorter spells.
“You have to weigh up who’s on the money and who’s not, and try to use as much energy as you can.
“It’s special to have four quicks you can turn to at any point, it takes pressure off Blessing, who’s often had to be the enforcer.”
Zimbabwe and Afghanistan now switch formats, with a three match T20I series starting Wednesday at Harare Sports Club.
