Siphakeme .Mnindwa
IT is disheartening to note that the Zimbabwe cricket team seems comfortable in defeat. The Chevrons lost the second Test match against Afghanistan at Queens Sports Club by 73 runs on Day five yesterday, and offered little resistance in the second innings. This is not a new phenomenon as they have been losing matches without much of a fight for some time now.
What is even more disturbing is the fact that the Chevrons seem to have accepted their situation and have become comfortable with losing. This was evident from the lack of urgency in the team’s approach to the game. They displayed no fighting spirit and virtually surrendered the match to the Afghans. This should not be acceptable in professional sports, where the spirit of competition and the will to win should always be present.
The Chevrons also lost to Pakistan before the Afghanistan series, with the team offering little opposition and just crumbling. This trend of lacklustre performances by the team is becoming all too familiar. Zimbabwe is a country with a proud cricketing history, with players such as the late Heath Streak, Andy Flower, Grant Flower, Henry Olonga and Mpumelelo Mbangwa being part of the team that once made Zimbabwe one of the strongest cricketing nations in the world. However, today, the team is a shadow of its former self and there seems to be no indication of improvement in the near future.
What is even more concerning is that our cricket seems to be in a downward spiral. The Chevrons have not been performing well in recent times, and as a result, elite countries are unwilling to play against them. This is further exacerbating the situation as the lack of international fixtures means that the team is not improving and is constantly falling behind.
Zimbabwe cricket needs to take a long hard look at itself and identify the root cause of its poor performances. The problem could be a lack of investment in the sport, inadequate coaching systems, or a dearth of talented players. Whatever the issue, steps must be taken to address it.
The Zimbabwe Cricket Board must also take responsibility for the team’s poor performances. The board needs to invest in the sport, improve the quality of coaching and identify and develop talented young players. The board must also work to ensure that the team is adequately prepared for international fixtures and that the players are motivated to win.
The Chevrons need to show more resilience and fighting spirit on the field. The team must recognise that it is a professional outfit and must play with a sense of pride and determination. Losing is never easy, but accepting defeat without a fight is unacceptable.
If these issues are not addressed, our cricket will continue to be in a downward spiral, and fans will continue to be disappointed.
mbulelo smpofu
