RISING star Solomon Mire got a chance to play cricket at the highest level after being selected into the final squad of 15 to represent Zimbabwe at the ICC World Cup co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia.
Mire made an ODI debut on November 21 in Chittagong, Bangladesh, where he made a name for himself.
Convenor of selectors Givemore Makoni made the announcement of 15 travelling and five non-travelling reserves last Wednesday at Harare Sports Club.
Opening batsman Vusimuzi Sibanda is part of the non-travelling reserves together with John Nyumbu, Brian Vitori, Malcom Waller and Cephas Zhuwao.
Sibanda’s omission from the travelling party is no surprise as the seasoned opener was struggling with form in recent tours.
Chamunorwa Chibhabha might be Sibanda’s direct replacement in the top order.
Makoni acknowledged that the opener had struggled with form despite a long leash he had enjoyed.
“We feel we have given enough run to Vusi,” Makoni said.
“He has really struggled.
“We have guys who are in form, so we opted for guys with current form that’s why he has missed out.”
Stuart Matsikenyeri’s long layoff came to an end as he will participate at the World Cup.
He last played for Zimbabwe in 2012 in Napier, New Zealand.
Prosper Utseya who was suspended from bowling off-spin, will be bowling slow medium at the World Cup.
Utseya is not an all-rounder.
Zimbabwe’s new coach, Dav Whatmore believes he has understanding of the team as he met the Chevrons during his coaching career.
“I had a good fortune to be opposition coach against Zimbabwe for many years and I have seen a change over the years and more recently just a year and half out here against Zimbabwe when I was with Pakistan cricket team,” he said.
“Even more recently in Bangladesh when I was in commentary position, I watched every game.”
Zimbabwe’s seam attack will be led by Tinashe Panyangara and Tendai Chatara who were selected ahead of Brian Vitori.
Skipper Elton Chigumbura is optimistic that this time around the team will perform well judging from the number of games the team will play.
“The good thing about this World Cup is that it has more games than before,” he said.
“Before, we used to play three games, but six gives us better chances to win.
“Our objective is to reach the second round of the competition.”
It remains to be seen if Whatmore delivers joy to Zimbabwe.
Whatmore is a Sri-Lankan born Australian.
He retired from the field to take a coaching job in 1989 after 10 years of playing cricket.
As coach, the 60-year-old has done exceptionally well and is expected to do the same with the Zimbabwean team.
Squad: Elton Chigumbura (capt), Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Chamu Chibhabha, Craig Ervine, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Hamilton Masakadza, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Solomon Mire, Tawanda Mupariwa, Tinashe Panyangara, Brendan Taylor, Prosper Utseya, Sean Williams.