Sports / Cricket
Taylor, Taibu back in Zim XI squad to play Australia
20 Jul 2011 at 06:58hrs | Views
BRENDAN TAYLOR and Tatenda Taibu are expected to bounce back into the Zimbabwe XI team for the second four-day match against Australia A that begins at Harare Sports Club tomorrow.
Zimbabwe XI trail the series 1-0 after losing the first match by seven wickets at Country Club on Monday. But they are hoping to strengthen their batting line-up by adding the experienced duo.
Taylor was rested last week to enable him to recover from a shoulder injury while Taibu has been on the sidelines nursing a thumb injury.
The Zimbabwe wicketkeeper/batsman will be hoping to make his first match after missing the first four-day game and the triangular series against Australia A and South Africa A which was played early in the month.
Chairman of selectors Alistair Campbell said they were banking on Taibu's return to full fitness.
He said the wicketkeeper's condition will be assessed this afternoon to determine if he would be able to play as the home side hopes to put a better show and save the series.
The Zimbabwe camp had been affected by injuries to key players, who also include Graeme Cremer, Greg Lamb, Ray Price and Terry Duffin.
Batsmen Elton Chigumbura, Hamilton Masakadza and skipper Vusimuzi Sibanda were outstanding for the hosts while rookie left arm fast bowler Brian Vitori also did well to finish with five wickets.
Campbell said he was particularly impressed by Chigumbura's return to form but reckoned that other players needed to step up their game, especially with the Bangladesh tour approaching.
Taibu's inclusion might be good for Zimbabwe's middle order, which has been struggling to score against the Australian bowlers.
Zimbabwe XI trail the series 1-0 after losing the first match by seven wickets at Country Club on Monday. But they are hoping to strengthen their batting line-up by adding the experienced duo.
Taylor was rested last week to enable him to recover from a shoulder injury while Taibu has been on the sidelines nursing a thumb injury.
The Zimbabwe wicketkeeper/batsman will be hoping to make his first match after missing the first four-day game and the triangular series against Australia A and South Africa A which was played early in the month.
Chairman of selectors Alistair Campbell said they were banking on Taibu's return to full fitness.
The Zimbabwe camp had been affected by injuries to key players, who also include Graeme Cremer, Greg Lamb, Ray Price and Terry Duffin.
Batsmen Elton Chigumbura, Hamilton Masakadza and skipper Vusimuzi Sibanda were outstanding for the hosts while rookie left arm fast bowler Brian Vitori also did well to finish with five wickets.
Campbell said he was particularly impressed by Chigumbura's return to form but reckoned that other players needed to step up their game, especially with the Bangladesh tour approaching.
Taibu's inclusion might be good for Zimbabwe's middle order, which has been struggling to score against the Australian bowlers.
Source - Byo24News
