Carlisle demands more respect for Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe captain Stuart Carlisle complained on Friday that his side were not being given the respect their performances merited.

"We also deserve credit. Whenever Zimbabwe win, a one-day international or Test, people always find fault with the opposing team," said Carlisle on the eve of the fourth one-day international against India.

"It is high time Zimbabwe got the credit for winning," he said on being asked whether his side's six-wicket victory in the third game on Wednesday came about because of India's complacency.

Domestic media criticised the Indian team's batting after they were dismissed for a modest 191.

Zimbabwe went on to take a 2-1 lead and are one win away from clinching the five-game series with two matches left.

Zimbabwe players have often shown sparks of brilliance, but have struggled for consistency over longer periods.

They have caused major upsets, winning a Test series in Pakistan and beating India and eventual runners-up South Africa in group games in the 1999 World Cup in England.

Carlisle said his side was showing gradual improvement after suffering a 3-0 Test series rout in Sri Lanka late last year.

"We had to face someone like (off-spinner Muttiah) Muralitharan, who took 30 wickets. Without him the series would have been different," he said, adding that a strict fitness regime over the last three months was beginning to show results.

"We seem to be coming together, but there is still a long way to go," Carlisle said.

India swept the preceding test series 2-0, though Zimbabwe bounced back from losing the first game by an innings and 101 runs to rattle the hosts before losing the second by four wickets.

Mail Cricket Editor