The Hindu : End of losing streak no consolation for Zimbabwe

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jan 30, 2004

Sport

Sport - Cricket

End of losing streak no consolation for Zimbabwe

By G. Viswanath

Michael Bevan, who top-scored for Australia, in action. — Photo: V.V. Krishnan

MELBOURNE, JAN. 29. Steady rain forced the umpires to call off the Australia-Zimbabwe VB Series league match after their second inspection at 8. 35 p.m. on Thursday, leaving the two teams with three points each and the 15,218 spectators disappointed. For the first time in this series the weather bureau's prediction of thunderstorm and showers was proved right.

Earlier, yet again in the triangular tournament Zimbabwe persevered without luck. This has been the sorry story of the African team for three weeks in Australia. It has travelled around the country in anticipation, but without winning a single match. Guided by a captain who has excelled with the ball and bat, thrice Zimbabwe came close to performing the giant-killing feat, but each time was left heart-broken.

Zimbabwe's inspired display after a prompt start on Thursday was amazing. While Australia wanted to give the players on the margin a fair trial and carry forward the process of experimentation in order to identify a balanced combination for the finals, Zimbabwe, with no hope of making the finals, was keen to sustain its improved showing. Streak met with success winning a positive decision from umpire Rudi Koertzen who adjudged Damien Martyn leg before.

Under immense pressure to get some valuable runs in order to win the selectors' nod for the forthcoming tour of Sri Lanka, Martyn played lovely shots all round the wicket. Strong off either foot, he cut, pulled, glanced, flicked off his toes, drove on the up and lofted the ball over mid-off. It was exquisite stroke play all the way when Streak nipped one back to trap him in front seven minutes before the first rain interruption.

Things did not look bright at all when the two captains went out for the toss and Streak decided to field, influenced by the forecast of intermittent showers right through the evening. The dismissals of the openers vindicated Streak's decision to an extent. Zimbabwe's cup of joy might have been full had Blessing Mahwire, playing his first match, taken the catch Ponting had spooned when he was on four, two runs after Douglas Hondo bowled Matthew Hayden.

At a later stage Mahwire held the catch of the Australian captain a few yards inside the big circle, but by then the home team had recovered from the early setbacks. Australia's lower order batsmen automatically got promoted with Andrew Symonds being given a break after six matches. They contributed with mighty blows and though Blignaut forced attention on himself with stinging throws to wicket-keeper Taitenda Taibu, Australia reached a satisfactory total, the sixes by Ponting, Harvey and Brad Haddin coming at the right time. But the crowd reserved the biggest roar for Andy Bichel who swung the last ball of the Australia innings (and the match) into the stands.

Gilchrist to lead

Adam Gilchrist will replace Ricky Ponting as captain in Australia's last VB Series league match against India in Perth on February 1, according to a press release from Cricket Australia.

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