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Zimbabwe game for a fight

By G. Viswanath

Heath Streak will have a tough time on Sunday trying to stop Australia's winning streak against Zimbabwe. — Photo: V.V. Krishnan

SYDNEY, JAN. 10. Australia has no fears of being brought down by Zimbabwe at the SCG on Sunday. Leading 19-1 ahead of another clash against the African opponent in the VB Tri-series, Australia has proved to be masters against Zimbabwe.

But despite the absence of Andy Flower and Henry Olonga — who have sought a safe haven in England — Zimbabwe is a competitive side. Heath Streak, another old hand, has become a hardened battler. He has been around for many years and is the flag-bearer of Zimbabwe cricket. Streak has carried on gamely without a batting stalwart as Zimbabwe won only seven one-day Internationals last year.

While his Australian counterpart, Ricky Ponting, won the first big points parrying the threat from India at the MCG on Friday night, Streak has been beset with problems. His team with many fresh faces was struggling to cope against assorted Australian teams in warm-up games.

Worse, of course, was the knee injury Craig Wishart suffered against Western Australia. Wishart is a powerful run-getter, though his overall average under 25 doesn't suggest he is a match-winner.

Dion Ebrahim has replaced Wishart. Fortunately, Stuart Carlisle, who has two three-figure knocks to his credit in ODIs, will stay with the squad, though he hurt his thumb to cause immediate alarms — investigations revealed that the damage was not serious enough for him to return home.

Streak will have 13 to pick from and on Saturday afternoon a team source disclosed that Blessing Mahwire and Travis Friend would sit on the bench along with Ebrahim who is scheduled to reach here on Saturday night.

In spite of going down in the two matches and losing an attacking batsman, Streak has said that his team is not in Australia to make up the numbers. "It's a nice situation to be in with Australia and India as the favourites for the title. There's absolutely no pressure on us. The injury to Wishart too will give a chance for some one else.''

Streak also reiterated on Saturday that what he had said about the ageing Australian team was all in humour. "I think this Australian team has a lot left in it, but youngsters should be given the breaks. There should not be a situation wherein all the experienced players go out at the same time leaving many raw hands. Michael Clarke is an excellent find and fast bowler Shaun Tait appears to be a bright prospect," said Streak.

The Zimbabweans have a strong Australian connection. A few years ago, Carl Rackemann, worked on the young Zimbabwe bowlers before Geoff Marsh was appointed the national team's coach. Unfortunately, Zimbabwe has not been able to turn the tide in recent times.

But the good news for Streak is that Grant Flower has returned to the ranks for the first time since last July after recovering from a cracked finger. Streak will also look upon Douglas Hondo to provide pace and sharpness to his bowling attack.

The Australian team spent time in the swimming pool arriving in the city in the afternoon. Michael Clarke, who was instrumental in India's downfall on Friday, scoring a half century, taking a wicket and four catches said at the airport that it was good to make a winning start. Clarke's 12th ODI for Australia will be his first at his home ground on Sunday.

The teams:

Australia (from): Ricky Ponting (Capt.), Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, Damien Martyn, Andrew Symonds, Michael Clarke, Michael Bevan, Ian Harvey, Jason Gillespie, Andy Bichel, Brad Williams, Brett Lee and Brad Hogg.

Zimbabwe (from): Heath Streak (Capt.), Vusi Sibanda, Mark Vermeulen, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Stuart Carlisle, Tatenda Taibu, Andy Blignaut, Sean Ervine, Grant Flower, Travis Friend, Douglas Hondo, Blessing Mahwire, Ray Price and Dion Ebrahim.

Umpires: Rudi Koertzen (SA) and Simon Taufel; Third: Bob Parry; Match Referee: Clive Lloyd.

Hours of play (IST): 8.45 a.m. to 12.15 p.m. and 1 p.m. onwards.

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