SPORTS

Zimbabwe bullish ahead of West Indies series

October 28, 2003 16:17 IST
Zimbabwe were optimistic of performing competitively in next month's home series against West Indies even though they were comprehensively beaten during their tour of Australia, officials said on Monday.

Despite being thrashed by an innings and 175 runs in the first Test against Australia and by nine wickets in the second last week, Zimbabwe Cricket Union president Peter Chingoka believes the team will perform well against the visitors.

"In Australia, even without the injured Grant Flower in the side, we managed to put up a couple of reasonable performances, especially at Sydney," said Chingoka referring to the Zimbabwe's first innings total of 308 in the second Test in Sydney.

With the country trying to rebuild a top flight team following the international retirements of Andy Flower, Henry Olonga, Guy Whittall and Alistair Campbell earlier this year, Chingoka added that Zimbabwe cricket was heading in the right direction.

"If you're able to make 300

runs against Australia, that should be an indication of what you can do against the other sides," Chingoka said.

"The senior players... are going to have to make big statements and I believe that with us having home advantage it should be a close series."

The West Indies squad arrived in Harare on Monday for a tour of two Test matches and five one-day internationals. The first Test starts in Harare on November 4.

Chingoka also said the West Indians had not raised concerns about security in Zimbabwe, which is considered a travel risk by several countries.

West Indies squad:

Chris Gayle, Wavell Hinds, Daren Ganga, Brian Lara (capt), Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Marlon Samuels, Carlton Baugh, Ridley Jacobs, Omari Banks, Vasbert Drakes, Jerome Taylor, Corey Collymore, Fidel Edwards, Mervyn Dillon, Ravi Rampaul.

Source: REUTERS
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