HARARE, Zimbabwe, CMC- Coach Alan Butcher says he is anticipating a tough series when Zimbabwe cricketers arrive in the Caribbean for their four- week tour next month.
Butcher says the West Indies are playing some of the best cricket at the moment and therefore the tour represents a challenge for Zimbabwe to prove they can play good cricket on the road.
Zimbabwe’s tour, February 22nd to March 20th, comprises two Tests, three One-Day Internationals and two Twenty20 Internationals.
“At home we have done well but it is the results away from home which remain worrying,” said Butcher who has played only one test match for England.
“It is going to be a tough tour to West Indies. They are playing good cricket at the moment. Our players have to stand up, show some character, perform well enough, play positive and confident cricket”.
Zimbabwe has not included former national team captain Elton Chigumbura for their Caribbean tour.
The all rounder was omitted from a 24-man training squad after selectors ran out of patience due to the player’s recurrent poor form.
‘’Leaving out Elton Chigumbura was a tough decision because while on paper he balances the squad he has not put up a good enough performance to remain in the team,” said Butcher, who has decided not to apply for the job as coach when his contract expires in March.
“It now gives another player an opportunity to claim that all rounder spot”.
The 24-man squad goes into camp in Harare February 4 with the team set to leave for West Indies on February 16.
