Zimbabwe Test Squad Under The Microscope

Zimbabwe set a number of records after the high scoring opening test match against Afghanistan in Sharjah. Head coach Justin Sammons looks back at the test, and talks about the very flat pitch. We also hear from Dion Myers who reflects on Zimbabwe A’s loss against Ireland A after the first four day match

This is undoubtedly the most laid back Podcast Dean has hosted up to present. Dean is slightly off mic, but still audible, Dizzy thanks the waitress for his coke during the conversation, Happy Birthday gets sung to a diner amidst a fantastic cricket conversation which ranges from Jason’s thoughts about the older Zimbabwean players in the squad, his huge disappointment in his short stint as Pakistan’s coach, the current settings of the game and players, and Australia’s upcoming tour of South Africa

Hamilton Masakadza, undoubtedly a son of the Zimbabwean soil. Hamilton Masakadza was 17 years and 352 days old when he debuted for Zimbabwe in the second test match against the West Indies at Harare sports club in 2001, and briefly held the record for being the youngest player to score a test hundred on debut. Hamilton talks in depth about that hundred, his support from his senior players at the time, his unwavering encouragement from his family, especially his Father. He also talks candidly about the setback of losing the senior players in 2004, but also believes that it accelerated the inclusion of black players. He also pays huge tribute to former West Indian player Phil Simmons, who had a massive part to play in his development, as well as the Cronje family in Bloemfontein where he attended university

Zimbabwe’s swing bowler Victor Nyauchi, who is currently struggling with an Achilles injury tells Dean du Plessis that neither the convener of selectors, or coaches have faith in him due to his lack of pace

Sir Garfield Sobers who passed away at the age of 89 was undoubtedly the world’s finest all round cricketer West Indies commentator Fazeer Mohammed talks to Dean du Plessis, and pays tribute to the world’s best allrounder

Stuart Carlisle is Zimbabwe’s only batsman to score centuries against Australia in both test and one day international formats. He talks briefly about his promising Hockey career, his sister Lindsay who represented Zimbabwe and South Africa, and then went on to captain the South African ladies hockey team. He talks about the test hundred he scored against Australia at the Sydney Cricket ground in 2003And Dean du Plessis has an addition to make, regarding a (blind) date

Zimbabwe’s assistant coach and former batter Stuart Matsikenyeri talks about the culture in the squad, the longevity and importance of the older players

Former Tuskers cricketer Godwin Mamhiyo sits down with Dean du Plessis for a deep dive into Zimbabwe’s test squad ahead of the Bangladesh series, the emerging pace-bowling options and Tafadzwa Tsiga’s rise in red ball cricket.

Left-arm fast bowler Richard Ngarava has always had lots of responsibilities as Zimbabwe’s opening bowler. Now he has the added responsibility of captaining his country in the test and ODI formats. He feels quietly confident ahead of Zimbabwe’s home series against Bangladesh. He also speaks about the privilege of taking over as test and ODI captain

Craig Richard Ervine was in a reflective mood as he joined Dean du Plessis in the garden. He starts off by giving us an account on how he missed Zimbabwe’s one-off test against Ireland in Bulawayo due to the early arrival of his baby, then talks about the experiences and lessens learnt of playing against England, South Africa and New Zealand.He briefly touches on his team mate and friend Sean Williams’s struggles and how they were dealt with, and also shares his mild disappointment as to how he was informed about the change in captaincy in the Test and ODI formats, but assures us that the disappointments are firmly behind him as he focuses on the upcoming international season