Williams’ return: A boost for Chevrons

Brandon Moyo

Zimpapers Sports Hub

CHEVRONS’ captain Craig Ervine is optimistic that a fully fit Sean Williams will be able to positively aid the team’s success when they host Ireland in a full series starting with a one-off Test match at Queens Sports Club tomorrow.

The experienced Williams was an injury scare for the Chevrons after he struggled with back pains in the New Year’s Day Test match against Afghanistan at the same venue. Williams, who was batting in visible pain against Afghanistan last month, was named in Zimbabwe’s squad for the Test match and the One Day International (ODI) series against Ireland. His return was a major boost for the Chevrons, and Ervine acknowledged as much. Ervine said the team would “benefit a lot from having him (Williams) around. The Chevrons skipper added that Williams’ experience was invaluable and brought balance to the team.

“He is a big boost,’’ Ervine said.

“Not only with the bat but with the ball as well. We have also seen the energy that he brings to the field, so I think he is a big boost in all departments.

“Having him on the side really does balance the team because he contributes in all those different departments.

“It’s really exciting to have him back, and hopefully he will be fully fit by the time we go,” said Ervine. Zimbabwe’s Test squad also includes two new faces, the uncapped duo of 27-year-old leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa and 26-year-old top-order batter Nicholas Welch, who have both been rewarded for their impressive performances on the domestic front. The first and last time the Chevrons played a Test match against Ireland was in Belfast in 2023, and the latter secured a four-wicket win.

The forthcoming game will be the second red ball meeting between the two nations. Ervine is confident that playing at Queens Sports Club will help them make maximum use of home advantage and ensure it counts. He said what is crucial is to stick to their processes and is pleased with the improvement he has seen from the players over the past couple of months. With the solitary Test match taking place at Queens Sports Club, the white ball matches will be played in Harare. The white-ball series consists of three One Day Internationals and as many T20Is. The three One-Dayers are pencilled in for February 14, 16, and 18, while the 20-over matches will be played on February 22, 23, and 25.