Greatest ever Zimbabwean XI

[Paoli]

So...what will the side be??

At this stage looks like Hick won't make it and maybe Guy Whittall over Henry Olonga. Travis Friend??? No at this stage. KM Curran..Have a look at his County Record...Genuine allrounder so he is definetely in. The only possible change, along with Olonga----like the rhyme!!!-- would be Neil Johnson for the likes of a Stuey Carlisle.

Paul Strang and Ray Price will most likely be named in the Final 12, with one of them missing out, or possibly on another day the likes of Ervine or Brandes would miss out and Strang and Price would play, Leg Spin with SLA.

[vvvrulz]

Where did Johnson go anyway, Australia?

[Paoli]

Seth Efrica

[Rahul_Dravid_is_No.1]

was strang a really good player? he coached at my school for a season 3 years ago, but he never really talked much about his international career.

[Paoli]

What school did you go to?

You seem to have cricketer after cricketer coaching lol...

Strang was a fine cricketer, but he has a muscular "disease" if you like in his hand that will stop him from playing.

[Paoli]

Guys, the Greatest Zimbabwean XI will be named quite soon...

Get your thoughts in.

[Milo]

Paoli - very similar to your team, my final choice would be

Goodwin
Flower G
Hick (if available)
Houghton
Flower A
Johnson
Curran
Streak
Strang P
Brandes
Traicos

If Hick can't play, I would pick Alistair Campbell (and make sure they never gave him the captaincy as it completely ruined his batting)

[Paoli]

Milo, out of those 2, whowould u pick

[Milo]

Originally Posted by Paoli69

Milo, out of those 2, whowould u pick

Johnson, by quite some margin.

[Paoli]

1. Grant Flower- His best results were as an opener and his ODI record which is 6 centuries and an average of 33.5 is better than Steve Waugh's. Test best of 201 not out in Zimbabwe's first test win against Pakistan. More than handy finger spinner. Although his test average wasn't flattering, his class and teamsmanship was. Stuck around with Streak to try and rebuild a side hurting through the loss of Andy Flower and co. Thouroughly deserves his spot. Evntually retired after the dispute with the ZCU in April 2004.
2. Alistair Campbell- Not in my original eleven but overwhelming responses have given him a spot. Genuine opening batsman- last of his kind in Zimbabwe. Was originally a right hander but had it changed by his father, Iain, as a youngster on the theory that the strongest hand should be on top. 7 ODI centuries and a very good slip fieldsmen. As Milo said, his captaincy got the better of him but is a worthy member.
3. David Houghton (Captain)- First truly international class Zimbabwean to ever grace the international arena. Made a big 242 and averaged over 40. Made his test debut at 35 years of age but his age never seemed to weary him as he was truly a class player. The rock in the Zimbabwe early team. An honourable achievment to be captaining the side.
4. Andrew Flower (Wicketkeeper and Vice Captain)- Best ever Zimbabwean cricketer. Quite a glovemen as well. His batting was second to none and bats at four because that is where the best batsman in any side will bat. 12 centuries, most by a wicketkeeper in test cricket until Adam Gilchrist recently overtook him about 9 days ago. Over 40 ODI 50's and could've walked into any side in the world without exception. His stand against the Mugabe Government in World Cup 2003 was inspirational and patriotic. Vice captain also.
5. Murray Goodwin- Only played international cricket for three years but was quite an extraordinary batsman. Was born in Zimbabwe but moved to Australia at 13 and came back again, and debuted at 26. Averaged over 48 in test matches with 4 centuries. Really was one of the better players Zimbabwe has ever seen and was a handy fielder and leg break bowler. Retired in 2000 after an ongoing pay dispute with the ZCU.
6. Neil Johnson- Not in my original squad but deserved to be. Neil was a genuine all-rounder, with non cricketing facts similar to Murray. Born in Zimbabwe, lived in South Africa for a substantial period of time and then moved back and debuted at 27. Only played for two years but against Australia took 2-43 and made 134 not out, opening both the batting and bowling. Left in the same circumstance as Goodwin in the same year.
7. Kevin Curran- Played ODI's in 1983 and 1987 for Zimbabwe in World Cups in pre-test days. However, Kevin was a champion county cricketer, averaging 36 with the bat and 27 with the ball. Had a great inswinger and was an effective hitter of the ball. Possibly the best all rounder Zimbabwe has ever seen- a pity they weren't given Test status earlier.
8. Sean Ervine- 22-year old extreme talent who was the first Zimbabwean to leave after the racial dispute in April 2004. Ervine was a brilliant talent for Zimbabwe, a very good batsman and a good bowler, slightly in the mould of Jacques Kallis, with a deceptive slower ball. His century against India in an ODI in 2004 at Adelaide verified his talent. Would've averaged 40 with the bat and sub 30 with the ball in 10 years time. Shame to have lost him
9. Heath Streak- Lionhearted cricketer. Burdened the Zimbabwean cricket team's problems on his shoulders since World Cup 2003, despite heavy political turmoil. Bowled brilliantly at controlled speed and was quite economical. Had to be careful of himself because if he got injured, the side would be in-competitive. Averaged just under 30 with the ball in both forms, taking 200 wickets in each form. Made an unbeaten ton in his 56th test- a just reward for a great cricketer. Immensely popular with teammates, Streak was at the centre of Zimbabwe Cricket's racial allegations in April 2004.
10. Paul Strang- Brilliant leg-spinner bowler who was once considered the second best leg spinner apart from Shane Warne. Strang took 70 wickets in 24 test matches, including an 8-109 against New Zealand. He also made a test century and took 96 ODI wickets from 95 matches. Only the best bowlers manage to keep an average of a wicket a match. Strang's career was cruelly cut short by a hand muscle injury. A superb fielder and a worthy team member.
11. Eddo Brandes- Brandes or Olonga was the question that burned on my mind for so long, but it was Olonga's inconsistency that cost him his spot. Brandes was a stocky, consistent Medium-Fast bowler who could bamboozle attacks on his day. England would know about this, as he took 4-21 against them at Albury setting up a huge 9 run victory in World Cup 92. He filled the void of a fast bowler and was extremely effective in ODI's, taking 70 wickets from 59 matches. Filled a void well.

Notable exclusions:

Stuart Carlisle: In the end, his average wasn't up to scratch. Although he was a very good player, it was out of him and Campbell. Lost by sheer weight of numbers to Campbell in the end.
Ray Price: Although he was getting alot better, Strang was the better spinner.
Guy Whittall: Just couldn't fit him in.
Henry Olonga: Unfortunately, his incostistency gave the spot to Eddo Brandes, a deserving victor.

Well, that wraps it up, still your thoughts on how i picked this side would be much appreciated. I'm on Holidays for a week or so however, so go on without me.

Many thanks, and this Greatest XI would challenge any team.