Zimbabwe selectors cover all options

The Zimbabwe selectors have covered all options in their nominated squad of 16 to play the First Test match against India and Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, beginning June 7.

There are no surprises among the 16 selected with David Mutendera being the latest addition in view of his fine bowling for Zimbabwe A in Mutare, where he twice took the wicket of Sachin Tendulkar.

Probably there are only two places in doubt, if all players report fit. Guy Whittall will doubtless continue to open the batting after his fine record against Bangladesh. Dion Ebrahim was not very successful as his opening partner, but he has time and talent on his side and will probably be given another chance. This will be hard on Gavin Rennie, who was dropped from the team after making top score in both innings of Zimbabwe's Boxing Day Test in New Zealand.

There is one pace bowling berth in doubt. Streak was supported against Bangladesh by Blignaut and Watambwa, both of whom did well enough to earn another chance but were unable to bowl accurately enough to apply the brakes when necessary. If the selectors want accuracy, Bryan Strang is the obvious choice, a pillar of strength throughout the season until surprisingly omitted against Bangladesh.

Nkala was the fourth seamer in that series, but by his own admission did not do a good job. He has spent the last month working on his action at the Academy and will have the Academy warm-up match against India to show his current form. Friend and Mutendera both bowled well for Zimbabwe A in Mutare and in past years would have been assured of Test places.

Unless the Queens Sports Club pitch reverts to its usual character, more spin oriented than seam, an unlikely scenario with Harbhajan Singh in the opposition and with Zimbabwe's strong seam bowling attack, only one spinner is likely to play. That will probably be Raymond Price ahead of Brian Murphy after the former's superb bowling in the Harare Test against Bangladesh.

The most notable omissions from the squad, neither really a surprise, are Henry Olonga and Paul Strang. The selectors believe Olonga still lacks the form and confidence necessary for a place, while Strang was ignored against Bangladesh and, in spite of his experience and superior batting (perhaps not quite as good as it was), is obviously out of favour at present.

At this stage, the final eleven might be: Whittall, Ebrahim, Carlisle, Campbell, A Flower, G Flower, Streak, Blignaut, Nkala or Strang, Price, Watambwa.