Greatest ever Zimbabwean XI

[Paoli]

With most players gone, I think it is a good time to name the Greatest XI this breathtaking-yet-repressive country has ever had to offer

1. Grant Flower- Although he only averaged 30 in tests, he averaged more 35 in ODI's and made 5 centuries, more than Steve Waugh on both counts. The 201 n.o against Pakistan in Zimbabwe's first ever test victory stands out. He was required to get his team out of ditches quite often. More than handy finger spinner.
2. Kevin Curran- To tell you the truth, I saw none of this bloke at all. Never played a test, only ODI's, but his brilliant County Cricket Record ensures his spot and impressive ODI record allows him to take this spot.
3. Andy Flower (WK)- Speaks for himself. Averaged over 50 in tests, the only Zimbabwean to ever do so. 11 or 13 test centuries, I cannot remember, but more than anyone of his countrymen. His courageous stand which could've cost him his life which was made against Mugabe in WC03 was simply patriotic
4. Dave Houghton (C)- The first Zimbabwean of World standard to ever grace the test arena, his average of over 40 puts him with the elite bracket of cricketers. And to think he made his debut at 35, yet he made a test double hundred is a story in itself
5. Murray Goodwin-Only played international cricket for 2 or 3 years, but was absolutely sensational. If he had've been found out earlier, or if he continued, he could've been as good as Andy Flower. 4 test centuries, including a 148n.o in his last test at Lords, Goodwin retired over an ongoing pay dispute with the ZCU
6. Duncan Fletcher- I've selected him for one reason. WC 1983, Australia vs. Zimbabwe- D.Fletcher 69 not out, 4-42. It remains Zimbabwe's only ever win against Australia. Fletcher, now coaching England, single handedly stole the game for a 10 run Zimbabwean win
7. Guy Whittall- Maybe a controversial selection, but whenever he made a test hundred, it was a big score. Along with Grant and Andy Flower and David Houghton, he is one of four to score a test double century---and these were the days when Bangladesh weren't around...
8. Heath Streak- Leading Wicket-taker in both forms of the game, and Zimbabwe's best ever bowler and was required to score priceless runs for his team when they collapsed in the latter parts of his career. In his 56th test, he notched up a maiden test ton, which was thoroughly deserved. As was his respectable bowling average of sub 30. Genuine class, troubled all batsmen
9. Sean Ervine- Perhaps he should be up the order, but thats not the point. I know I am selecting this man at 22, but he was a genuine star in the making. It became apparent with 100 at the Adelaide Oval vs. India in the 03-04 VB Series. His bowling claimed him valuable scalps, and i believe he can play for Australia in the future. I hope he will play for Zimbabwe instead...
10. Ray Price- Selected because he was the best spinner in Zimbabwe. He got better towards the end of his career, taking 4 five-fers including one against Australia. He wasn't a great turner of the ball, but he relied on the ball rolling. He was however, a hardworking bowler who deserved every wicket he got.
11. Eddo Brandes- Wasn't great, but he'd open the bowling with Streak. He bamboozled England at Albury in WC 92, taking 4-14. He filled the void of a fast bowler and did it well. He wasn't of a brilliant class, but he did enough as i said filling a void. He had the ability to take vital wickets.

Your thoughts are appreciated, and make any changes you think are necessary and then in a few months i could do the Best XI formally...

[Paoli]

I understand Kevin Curran isnt an opener and that Ervine isn't a No.9, so feel free to make changes

[imaginarydiva]

Hey,as i already told u i dont know much abt Zimbabwean cricket history,but i was just wondering why u didnt pick StuartCarlisle.Wasnt he one of Zimbabwe's best bet as an opener? (i heard Mbangwa say that)If not who was Zimbabwe's best ever opener?I'd be very glad to hear from you on this one.Would be enlightening for me.lso,Just wondering is this XI based on talent or performance cuz i am not saying this as his fan but i really thought Andy bliggy had loads of potential but he didnt wuite perform.And just when he was starting to mature,the whole crisis started.....

[Paoli]

It is based on performance...If i had of based it on talent the likes of Carlisle, Blignaut, Friend, Olonga and co. could've gained easy entry+

[Statto]

Would Campbell be in with a chance or is he no better than those you have picked?

[Paoli]

Alistair Campbell was very good at the technical side of the game---eg batting technique, field placements, captaincy---but when his team needed him to deliver, as Peter Roebuck said "more often than not he left a bunch of mainly amateurs to do the work for themselves".

That is why Ali Campbell doesn't make the XI.

But I am putting up a list of 9 more that you can choose from. Also feel free to add more names to this.

Stuart Carlisle
Alistair Campbell
Paul Strang
Tatenda Taibu
Craig Wishart
Andy Blignaut
Henry Olonga
Richie Kaschula
Neil Johnson

[Statto]

I wouldnt rush to make changes to the side, the only person I would have considered putting in would be Olonga, possibly for Brandes, but you will have seen more of Zim than I have so dont feel pressured by me - you pick who you think should be in the team.

ps. Was it Brandes who was involved in the sledging with Glen McGrath -
McGrath got annoyed with him playing and missing and shouted "why are you so fat?" to which Brandes (I think it was but some people say it was someone else) responded "coz every time I s**g your wife she gives me a biscuit"
If that was Brandes I would definately vote to keep him

[Paoli]

Yeah it was..always a character was Eddo...but he was pretty fat and had he lost weight some say he could've become one of the best bowlers of his time...

[imaginarydiva]

LOL!I remember that moment cuz i was pretty glad that there was someone to stand up to Mc Grath.

[vvvrulz]

Ill throw in a line-up i wouldve chosen:

Grant Flower
Neil Johnson
Murray Goodwin
Andy Flower (w)
Craig Wishart
Dave Houghton
Sean Ervine
Heath Streak (c)
Andy Blignaut
Paul Strang
Ray Price

This is not a bad team at all !
On their day, they could contest even the best of elevens.