Answering Zimbabwe's call

[Paoli]

After the ICC inquiry into racism into Zimbabwe Cricket, the rebels plight has about as much appeal as Al Gore complaining about the 2000 US Election Results.

About 12 months ago, then Zimbabwean captain Heath Streak was sacked/resigned from Zimbabwe Cricket after a dispute with the ZCU about selection policies. He claimed whites were being minoritised from the fold and that Zimbabwe Cricket was going downhill as a result of not selecting a side on its merits. Amongst other claims he made were that the selection panel be made of only first-class cricketers with coaching experience.

Within days, Streak's departure had spiralled out of control, with 14 players joining him striking from the board. ZCU played a game of criss-cross, some days saying the rebels were sacked and no longer the business of the ZCU; other days saying that they are welcome back.

As the dispute dragged on, Sean Ervine and Andy Blignaut, alongside Travis Friend and Richard Simms left the country to further their cricketing careers. Grant Flower accepted a contract with Essex and so to Ray Price with Worcestershire.

Since then, Barney Rogers, Gavin Ewing, Charles Coventry, Andy Blignaut and Heath Streak had returned.

Originally Posted by Andy Blignaut

In 10 years i dont want to look back on my career with regret.

Streak was signalled as the saviour; yet his presence did not stop ruthless play at the hands of South Africa. The white players who were involved in the strike were Zimbabwe's are Zimbabwe's privilidged; they can afford gear, they had the luxury of upbringings in private schools; they had the infrastructure and they made Zimbabwe Cricket what it was.

They possibly never thought of the bigger picture; Zimbabwe's struggling blacks who can't afford a loaf of bread, let alone a private school education.

Zimbabwe's white cricketers have left; many, including Ervine, Gary Brent and Craig Wishart aren't interested in Zimbabwe any longer.

So, to Messrs. Ervine, Friend, Sims, Flower, Brent, Wishart, Ferreira, Carlisle, Price and Gripper. You have left when your country needs you, a country that has given you so much. So fellas, forget the past and move on. Its time to answer the call- To answer Zimbabwe's call.

[Zainub]

Originally Posted by Paoli

So, to Messrs. Ervine, Friend, Sims, Flower, Brent, Wishart, Ferreira, Carlisle, Price and Gripper. You have left when your country needs you, a country that has given you so much. So fellas, forget the past and move on. Its time to answer the call- To answer Zimbabwe's call.

Exactly my sentiments

[Paoli]

True...We only need a few more back

[imaginarydiva]

Paoli,expect anybody else being back?from what u told me Ervine is happier being in Australia but what about the rest?

[Paoli]

Ervine is happier in Australia, I knew one of his brothers from my time there...Friend is undecided, Ray Price keeping his options open....Flower said he'll honour his Essex contract and Richard Sims is unknown.....Gary Brent and Craig Wishart don't want to return...The rest should return i believe

[imaginarydiva]

Yipeee!!That means Carlisle will be back!Thats great news!

[Paoli]

Along with Gripper and Ferreira lets hope

[imaginarydiva]

Hmmm...Btw,where's Vermeulem?He and Hondo seem to have vanished all of a sudden.

[Teatime FatCat]

Hondo I'm surprised at, as he seems a real tryer and can pick up wickets on his day. He's probably a safer bet than Mpofu at the moment. Vermulen has had a history of discipline probs and has batted very poorly for the last couple of years. He's not seriously in the frame is he?

[Paoli]

TTFC, Vermuelen was named in the Bangladesh squad...But wasn't in Bangladesh!!!

ZC cover up selections and send players who aren't named over...For what reason I dunno...Hondo would make my starting XI, as would Vermuelen