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Journalism of Courage
SHARJAH, Nov 12: Zimbabwe might be the light-weights of international cricket. But, of late, there is nothing light-weight about their performance. India, who take on Zimbabwe in the Coca-Cola Trophy final on Friday will vouch for this.
Last month, India lost a Test match to Zimbabwe in Harare. On Wednesday, Zimbabwe beat India here. India thus need to correct the imbalance in the record in Friday8217;s final.
Skipper Mohammed Azharuddin, paceman Javagal Srinath and ace spinner Anil Kumble will be back in the playing eleven after skipping the inconsequential last league match on Wednesday.
Zimbabwe, too, were without three of their main players, Eddo Brandes, Paul Strang and Heath Streak. That brought in paceman Henry Olonga, who has a good record against India. In the Test India lost, Olonga picked up five for 70 and yesterday left his mark by dismissing Saurav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and Ajay Jadeja.
India thus put the Zimbabweans in a dilemma 8212; whether to drop him or keep out the moreaccomplished Eddo Brandes or Heath Streak. It would be a difficult choice no doubt, for Olonga cannot be depended upon to bowl on line or stay away from sending down no balls.
The dread-locked paceman is quick, but without control and that could be crucial in a one-day game. But Zimababwe skipper Alistair Campbell simply refuses to look at the minus points in Olonga8217;s bowling. 8220;As professionals we are trained to be positive and look at the plus points. When I see it that way I can only see all the good in Henry Olonga,8221; he said, but admitted the team enjoys a problem of choice.
Another asset in this Zimbabwe team is Neil Johnson. The left-hand bat and right arm fast medium bowler made his debut for Zimbabwe only last month. But he is already seen as a key player in the side. Johnson plays for Leicestershire in English county cricket and for Natal in South Africa. He represented South Africa Schools before opting to play at the highest level for Zimbabwe.
Johnson is an effective batsman and a morethan useful bowler. Along with Murray Goodwin he is one of the newcomers to this Zimbabwe side.
Zimbabwe look a pretty effective one-day side. The Flower brothers, Grant and Andy, Gavin Rennie, Campbell, Goodwin, Wishart and Whittal are effective batsman while Heath Streak and Eddo Brandes are good all rounders. Paul Strang is a top quality leg-spinner. And Zimbabwe have always been an outstanding fielding team. If anything, Zimbabwe need another top quality batsman to be a major force in limited overs cricket.
Ganguly8217;s form, cause for worry
On the other hand, India, despite their victories are worried by the continued poor form of Saurav Ganguly. The Bengal batsman has struggled right through the tournament to the extent that if Tendulkar fails India are actually two down for nothing.
Luckily, Ajay Jadeja and Robin Singh are in some sort of form while Azharuddin could be depended to chip in usefully. India have consistently been playing one batsman less on this strip. But then they feel thatthe non-regular batsmen, Nayan Mongia, Ajit Agarkar, Nikhil Chopra, Javagal Srinath and Anil Kumble could be expected to make a few useful runs.
Skipper Azharuddin is clear in wanting five main bowlers on this pitch. Thus far they have vindicated his faith. Srinath, Agarkar, Kumble, Chopra and Joshi have done very well, with Tendulkar too turning his arm over profitably.
Agarkar has enjoyed an excellent tournament with both bat and ball. He has bowled at a sharp medium pace and got among the wickets regularly, while with the bat he has stuck a few lusty blows. He has been a genuine find and is one of the pillars of the team.
At stake on the morrow is the top prize money of US 40,000 and the Coca-Cola trophy. India, the more experienced side, is expected to win. But watch out for these Zimbabweans.
Teams
India from: Mohd Azharuddin captain, Sachin Tendulkar, Saurav Ganguly, Nayan Mongia wk, Ajay Jadeja, Robin Singh, Nikhil Chopra, Ajit Agarkar, Sunil Joshi, Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath,Rahul Dravid, Venkatesh Prasad and Vangipurappu Laxman.
Zimbabwe from: Alistair Campbell captain, Craig Wishart, Grant Flower, Neil Johnson, Murray Goodwin, Andy Flower wk, Gavin Rennie, Andy Whittal, Heath Streak, Eddo Brandes, Paul Strang, Craig Evans, Henry Olonga, Adam Huckle, Mpumelelo Mbangwa.
