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ZIMBABWE all-rounder Sean Williams sustained a right knee injury during fielding on Sunday, in the second Prayag Cup One-Day International match against India, at the Harare Sports Club.
He had to take pain-killers and put on strapping when he batted.
Team physiotherapist Anesu Mupotaringa suspects patella tendonitis.
Scans were done yesterday and depending on the findings, the decision will be made on Williams’ availability for the third Prayag Cup ODI match against India today.
India have achieved their main goal — sealing the series — so the third and final ODI provides scope for blooding a couple of uncapped players.
Zimbabwe, who are in the midst of an eight-match ODI losing streak, have little but pride to play for.
Individually, Zimbabwe’s players have shown that this team definitely contains talent. But they haven’t been able to pull all three facets of the game together.
In both matches so far, India were offered a glimpse of Zimbabwe’s weaknesses, and despite the fine margin of their victory on Friday, they have generally looked the better side.
Yet one feels Zimbabwe aren’t all that far behind this Indian team.
Given a fully fit squad, in home conditions, at least one win is a distinct possibility.
Unfortunately, the Zimbabweans have been hobbled by injury and have probably already blown their best chance of breaking their losing streak.
Williams is nursing a knee problem and is unlikely to play today.
While the bowling has fired, India’s middle order still appears vulnerable.
Manoj Tiwary, Robin Uthappa and Kedar Jadhav have managed a combined 58 runs in a total of six innings.
If Zimbabwe are able to exploit this, especially given the absence of the series’ leading run-scorer Ambati Rayudu, they may yet be able to pull off a win. In the absence of Solomon Mire, and with Elton Chigumbura playing primarily as a batsman, Zimbabwe needed an allrounder to balance their side.
They appear to have found one in Chamu Chibhabha, who has contributed with both bat and ball in this series. Batting is his stronger suit — he’s averaged 44.42 in ODIs in 2015 — but the pitch at Harare Sports Club also suits his medium-pace bowling.
Zimbabwe may want to give players such as Chris Mpofu, Prosper Utseya and Roy Kaia a run.
Craig Ervine may also be back to full fitness, as he underwent a test, including sprints, with no apparent discomfort on Monday afternoon.
A third, fresh pitch will be used for this match, and in appearance it is very similar to the first two: dry, with a modest grass covering.
It should be reasonably good for batting, with the side batting first looking to score at least 250.
The pitch is on the far right of the square, and so the short boundary to the west may affect team tactics.
Another bright, sunny day is expected.
Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Vusi Sibanda, 2 Chamu Chibhabha, 3 Hamilton Masakada, 4 Elton Chigumbura (capt), 5 Roy Kaia/Craig Ervine, 6 Sikandar Raza, 7 Richmond Mutumbami (wk), 8 Prosper Utseya, 9 Graeme Cremer, 10 Neville Madziva, 11 Chris Mpofu. — Cricinfo, zimcricket
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter