Ireland A the opponent Zimbabwe’s fringe players need: Chauluka
ZIMBABWE A head coach Eric Chauluka expects a tough contest against Ireland A in their seven-match series, which gets underway at Harare Sports Club on Thursday. He believes the visitors offer exactly the kind of opposition his players need to test themselves.
The teams will meet in two four-day matches at Harare Sports Club, starting on Thursday, before playing five one-day matches at Old Hararians Sports Club and Harare Sports Club. The series concludes on November 27.
“We expect a very competitive challenge,” Chauluka said. “Ireland have done a lot of good work in developing their cricket over the years, and their A programme has produced players who have successfully stepped into international cricket.
“Their squad will be well organised, disciplined, and highly motivated. For us, that’s exactly the type of opposition we want because it creates a meaningful environment in which players can test themselves.”
Ireland were granted Full Member status by the International Cricket Council in 2017.
Zimbabwe’s A-team programme is designed to prepare players for the senior national side, with Chauluka saying his coaching set-up maintains close communication with the national team.
“There’s ongoing communication between the Zimbabwe A setup, selectors, and senior coaching staff,” he said. “Everyone is aligned in terms of player development and the standards required to progress to the national team.
“The A programme exists to support the senior side, so it’s important that players understand exactly what is expected of them if they want to make that next step.”
Zimbabwe A have named a 15-member squad for the four-day matches, including Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Clive Madande, Johnathan Campbell, Roy Kaia and Dion Myers.
