We know that we're not the best side in the world. However, we are fast developing into a very good unit, with the capability of beating any of the 'big brothers' on a given day. With this in mind, our aims and objectives for this World Cup are different. Our first and toughest task is to qualify for the Super Six league. We have been placed in a hard group, yet we are pleased with our draw. We have recently beaten four of the five countries in our section. The only side we haven't beaten is South Africa, who are the favourites. However, our last three encounters with them have been close affairs, and it must be a worry for them, for surely it's not a matter of 'if', but 'when' we will beat them. I hope it's in this World Cup—nothing will give me greater pleasure!
Alistair Campbell is fast developing into an astute leader. He is known for his strokeplay and has three one-day hundreds to his credit. The two Flowers are now part of Zimbabwe cricket folklore. Grant is one of the best opening batsmen in world cricket, has five Test and three one-day tons to his credit. An excellent all-round fielder, he bowls some cunning left arm spin. Elder brother Andy is arguably Zimbabwe's best batsman. He also has five Test tons, and scored a century on his one-day debut against Sri Lanka. He's also our wicket-keeper, and a good one at that. Murray Goodwin and Neil Johnson add strength to the batting, with Johnson opening the innings and Goodwin coming in at number 3; both have recorded one-day tons. Johnson is a genuine all-rounder, bowling lively seamers, and Goodwin bowls occasional slow medium pacers. One newcomer to the batting ranks is Stuart Carlisle, an aggressive middle-order batsman and an electric runner between the wickets.
Our middle order is made up of all-roun-ders, Guy Whittall, Paul Strang, Heath Streak, Eddo Brandes and another new face Dirk Viljoen. Whittall and Viljoen are both good batsmen and bowl in defensive roles, one right arm medium and the other a left arm spinner. The other three are all match-winners with both bat and ball. Brandes is the oldest in the party, but on his day can win a game by himself—just ask England!
Streak has for the last few years been in the top ten rankings for bowling. He reached 100 Test wickets recently, a feat overshadowed by the euphoria of Shaun Pollock reaching his 100 wicket haul—even though it took him one Test more than Streaky. Paul Strang is arguably one of the top three wrist spinners in world cricket. He has also intimidated bowlers with his unorthodox batting methods, including a Test hundred against Pakistan.
Our tail is made up of bowlers Adam Huckle, a leg-spinner, took 11 wickets on Test debut against New Zealand. Andy Whittall (cousin of Guy), an off-spinner, is rated among the top ten one-day bowlers. Mpumelelo Mbangwa affectionately known as 'Pom' (thank goodness!) is your custom-made English line and length seamer.Finally, the express Henry Olonga, who has had an outstanding season for Zimbabwe, and is as quick as anyone on his day.
Our team has all-round ability. In any combination we pick, there'll be at least nine batsmen, eight bowlers and a wicket-keeper. Then, we have a very good fielding side—quick with good arms and not afraid to throw themselves about. In brief, a side capable of going all the way.
We're up against great opposition in our group—Cullinan, Pollock, Tendulkar, De Silva, Jayasuriya to name a few, and don't forget Tikolo and Odumbe of Kenya. But our policy is to try and be true to ourselves.
