Streak says Zimbabwe can beat Windies

Marcus Prior

Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak is backing his side to win their two-Test series against the West Indies which begins at the Queen's Sports Club in Bulawayo on Thursday.

Zimbabwe are coming off the back of a morale-boosting victory over India in Harare last month which levelled that two-Test series 1-1.

And although they will be playing a Test for the first time without wicketkeeper and batsman Andy Flower, Streak is extremely confident.

"Barring injuries I think we have got an extremely good chance," Streak said on Wednesday. "Should we execute our game plan and play to the best of our ability I think there's certainly a good opportunity for us to win."

Although the West Indies batsmen have all been in the runs already on the tour, Streak pointed out that their bowlers were not nearly as intimidating a prospect as they have been in the past.

"We've got a lot of respect for them - they've got a tidy side - but I think without Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose in their bowling attack they are very inexperienced.

"They still have guys with wicket-taking ability but it makes a big difference without those two guys."

Flower is recovering from an operation to repair ligament damage in his left thumb and will be replaced by 18 year-old schoolboy Tatenda Taibu, who will be making his Test debut.

Streak admitted the absence of Flower, who has played in every one of Zimbabwe's 52 Tests, was a severe blow.

"Andy not being available burdens us not only in losing him but it forces us to have to play a specialist keeper.

"It means we can't play the extra bowler or the extra batsman which we've had the luxury of doing in the past.

"Andy has a lot of input to the side. He's very experienced and professional and helps the guys in the changing room.

"He's a good example to all the other players in the side and we will really miss him.

"But it's a chance for young Taibu to come in and get some experience before Andy gets back and hopefully that will stand him in good stead for the future," Streak said.

Zimbabwe will also be without opening bowler Brighton Watambwa, who has a hamstring injury, and leg-spinner Brian Murphy, who has sprained an ankle.

RECLAIM PLACE

Left-arm spinner Raymond Price will hope he can reclaim a place in the side after playing his first two Tests against Bangladesh earlier this year.

Price impressed with seven wickets for Zimbabwe A in the warm-up match against the West Indies in Kwekwe.

And the West Indies have another injury problem to deal with after losing Brian Lara and bowlers Cameron Cuffy and Mervyn Dillon earlier on the tour.

Leg-spinner Dinanath Ramnarine is suffering from a strained muscle in his side, and manager Ricky Skerritt confirmed on Wednesday that he would have a late fitness test.

Mail Cricket Editor