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Brighton Zhawi
THE local cricket family is rallying behind fast bowler Brian “Vitz” Vitori after the 25-year-old was reported for suspect bowling action during the third Twenty20 International against Bangladesh last week.
The left-arm fast bowler, who finished with figures of 0/45 from his four overs during Zimbabwe’s 31-run win over Bangladesh will have to undergo an International Cricket Council test within a fortnight.
Chevrons veteran and Zimbabwe Under 19 bowling coach Prosper Utseya was the first local bowler to be cited for suspect bowling in 2014.
Therefore Utseya was one of the first people to call Vitori to offer a shoulder to lean on during the trying times.
“I told him not to stress about it,” he revealed from Singapore where the U19 cricket team are playing preparatory games en route to the ICC World Cup in Bangladesh.
“He should go through the processes, it shall pass. He once had an unofficial test which he passed so I am sure he will be fine.”
Vitori was first called for a suspect bowling action during a Logan Cup match between his Tuskers and Mash Eagles at Harare Sports Club last season.
That saw Zimbabwe Cricket sending him for unofficial tests in South Africa.He passed.
Another player who faced the same challenge, Malcolm Waller, urged ‘Vitz’ to remain positive.
“It’s obviously not a nice feeling to be called for a suspect action especially with a World Cup around the corner, it will be a huge blow mentally,” he said.
“In Brian’s case I think he should remain positive, he has been through the bowling test before and came out of it with a legal action, so I am very sure he will be fine this time around.
“Knowing that he did it privately before should allow him to remain positive, he has been bowling very quickly and seems to be in good form, we need him to continue this in the games to come,” said Waller from Bangladesh.
Vitori’s club coach Wayne James said the bowler is a ‘useful asset’, hence the need to help him remodel his action.
“It is challenging for him, especially after being called during the previous domestic season. I believe it’s important for him to seek professional remedial work to address perceived deficiencies.
“It would be worth it for Zimbabwe Cricket to invest in this remedial process as Brian is a useful asset to their bowling unit going forward,” James told The Sunday Mail from India where he is with the Zimbabwe A side.
Vitori becomes the third Zimbabwean bowler to be reported for a suspect bowling action in three years, after Utseya in 2014 and Waller in 2015.
Online Reporter