The Zimbabwean team is currently preparing for their return to Test cricket against Bangladesh in August. They are now rectifying the focus of their bowling attack from slow to pace, for the tour of Bangladesh.
Spinners have become Zimbabwe’s core strength in One Day Internationals (ODIs), however, their coach AlanButcher feels that in order to be successful in Test matches a genuine fast bowler is a necessity.
Butcher told, ‘The Independent’ in Zimbabwe, that they are working with 14 fast and medium pace bowlers and anticipating that they will be prepared for Test matches.
Moreover, he said that In ODIs they can go in with three or four spinners and one genuine fast bowler, however, in Test matches they will definitely need more pacers.
He further added that they have a number of youngsters they have brought in and they will have to fast-track some of them so that they are prepared for their first Test against Bangladesh. It is a big challenge and Test matches are more demanding, but they are confident they can get them ready, well in time.
Before heading to Bangladesh Zimbabwe will play a couple of four-day matches against Australia A and then they have an ODI triangular series, in which South Africa will also take part.
Butcher pointed out that first-class matches are vital to Zimbabwe’s preparation for the Test series against Bangladesh, New Zealand and Pakistan.
"If we win those matches then it means we will be well ready for the Bangladesh Challenge. They [Australia] selected a very strong squad, never mind the 'A' tag, and if we can win against such a team I am sure we will be able to beat Bangladesh. We will also play a triangular 50-over series that will include South Africa and it will be important that we compete because these are two very strong teams that we will be facing," said Butcher.
Zimbabwe have some experienced fast bowlers like Chris Mpofu, Shingi Masakadza and Ed Rainsford, but these bowlers were away on national duty for much of the last season and in their absence a new crop of young seamers has come in front, some of these young bowlers can be part of Zimbabwe’s Test team.
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