Zimbabwe's all-time XI

Zimbabwe have been playing some decent cricket off late but aren’t showing signs of becoming finished products. The side continues to evolve but aren’t delivering the appropriate results. They had an excellent team during the 90s, especially at the end, but many factors contributed to their downfall. One feels that their 90s team would have had enough to beat the world’s current top sides. Considering that, we decided to pick the best possible XI for Zimbabwe taking into account the performances of their players from different eras. Here it is:

#1 Alistair Campbell

The man who led Zimbabwe to their first Test series triumph

After Zimbabwe were awarded the Test status in July 1992, Alistair Campbell was instrumental in shaping them into a worthy unit. Under his leadership since 1998, Zimbabwe achieved some memorable victories and showed immense potential to daunt the world’s best.

The 1999 World Cup saw Campbell help Zimbabwe scale new heights, as the team reached the Super Six stage of the tournament under his leadership. Another noteworthy accomplishment was Zimbabwe’s first Test Series win away from home, when they beat Pakistan 1-0 in 1998, with Campbell at the helm.

Though his records with the bat declined after he was made captain, he played an important role in moulding Zimbabwe into a solid unit that was worthy of recognition at the world level.

#2 Neil Johnson

Johnson had a great time during the 1999 World Cup

Making his foray into Tests in 1998, Neil Johnson bagged 4 wickets in his very first game against India. He also went on to sizzle in the Test match against Pakistan, when Zimbabwe toured the nation in late 1998. His century, coupled with Campbell’s astute captaincy, fetched Zimbabwe their very first Test Series win, and Johnson was awarded the much-deserved Man of the Match Award.

Then came the World Cup in 1999, when Zimbabwe faced the daunting task of a must-win match against a strong South African team, in order to reach the Super Six stage. Johnson’s masterly knock of 76 with the bat and 3 crucial wickets with the ball offered Zimbabwe a dream entry into the Super Six stage.

He was no doubt, one of the finest cricketers to have represented the nation.

#3 Brendan Taylor

A stalwart, whom Zimbabwe cannot replace easily

A gem in the crown of Zimbabwe, Brendan Taylor’s career began when he was still a teenager. He was drafted into the side during turbulent times, when the team was affected by corruption and politics.

Taking his time to settle into the team, Taylor grew into his role and became an accomplished player and also became one of the finest wicket-keepers the country has seen. He made many a heads turn with his famous finish against Bangladesh in 2006, where he scored 18 runs in the last over to fetch Zimbabwe an astounding victory out of nowhere.

While captaincy affects the form of several players, his game seemed to improve with added responsibility. He was also instrumental in leading Zimbabwe to three Test wins. It is indeed heart-breaking for any cricket fan to see this star hang up his boots so early, and choose county cricket for sustenance.

#4 Andy Flower (wicket-keeper)

One of the greatest wicket-keepers of all times

If there are idols in cricket whom everyone should look up to for fitness and excellence in all fields, Andy Flower is one among the very few such rare gems. Drafted into the side as a wicket-keeper, Andy excelled with the gloves and also displayed phenomenal batting talent in a time where even one good knock from a wicket keeper was considered a bonus.

His fearless determination and resilience showed in his debut match, where he batted for the entire 50 overs and then came back on to don the gloves and keep for another 50 overs.

Soon after Zimbabwe were granted Test status, Andy was handed yet another responsibility of marshalling his side. The team revolved and evolved around him.

Andy played in every international match (52 Tests and 176 ODIs) till 2001, before he sustained a finger injury. This speaks volumes about his fitness levels – a feat for which he was often compared with Adam Gilchrist during the later years.

#5 Grant Flower

One among the best Zimbabwean allrounders of all times

Despite living under the shadows of his highly skilled and exemplary elder brother, Grant Flower did exceedingly well to carve out a place for him in the books of Zimbabwean cricket.

Playing his debut Test match against India at Harare, Grant scored a resolute 82, thereby making his mark. Though initially acclaimed for his skills as a spin bowler, he surprised one and all with his terrific batting prowess and established his place firmly in the team, with his consistency.

#6 Dave Houghton

The legend who represented the nation of Zimbabwe in both cricket and hockey

The legendary Dave Houghton is internationally acclaimed for having represented Zimbabwe in two sports – cricket and hockey. He was the goalkeeper of the Zimbabwean Hockey Team, and one of the world’s best at that.

He also has to his name, the feat of being the first Test captain of Zimbabwe. His exceptional batting prowess helped Zimbabwe scale up their victories. One of his outstanding knocks came against New Zealand, when he scored a blinding 142 off 137 balls, ablaze with 13 fours and 6 sixes.

#7 Sean Ervine

One of the most prolific allrounders of Zimbabwe

Representing the country between 2001-2004, Sean Ervine played an important role in fetching victories for the team. He displayed tremendous batting potential, scoring back to back half centuries in Tests and also breaking through the opponent’s batting line-up with his accurate bowling.

It is a shame Zimbabwe had to see this player go after a dispute with the board in May 2004. Following that, he left Zimbabwe for good and took to the safety of county cricket. He was rather successful in his new venture, where he broke records in both batting and bowling.

#8 Heath Streak (Captain)

The only Zimbabwean bowler to have taken over 100 Test wickets

Heath Streak is one of Zimbabwe’s greatest fast bowlers of all time. He made his Test debut in 1993 and announced his arrival in style by bagging the Man of the Series award against Pakistan.

His spirited form continued, as he razed through batting line-ups and amassed wickets as well as awards. He became the first Zimbabwean cricketer to get 100 Test wickets, and to date, remains the only one. Along with Grant Flower, he also holds the feat of bagging more than 100 ODI scalps. He will also be the captain of this side because of his calming influence in the middle.

#9 Ray Price

The dark horse of the Zimbabwean bowling attack

Ray Price made rather a tame entry into the injury-infested Zimbabwe side and remained low key for quite a while. However, gradually he displayed tokens of his brilliance and helped his team achieve important Test wins.

But his stint with Zimbabwe went downhill, when he along with captain Heath Streak and a few other players, rebelled against the Board and refused to play for the country. Although overshadowed by other stalwarts in the team during his time, Price did exceedingly well to be marked as one of the most noteworthy spin bowlers of Zimbabwe.

#10 Eddo Brandes

Popular for his famous sledging incident with Glenn McGrath

One of the most prolific fast bowlers of Zimbabwe, Eddo Brandes made a mark for himself with his fiery bowling. His most memorable moment came in an ODI in January 1997, where he took a hat-trick against a strong English batting line-up.

All eyes turned to this person, who made his foray into cricket, leaving behind his earlier profession of a chicken farmer. He has to his name some great bowling figures, which made people look up and take notice of him.

#11 Paul Strang

A rare world-class leg-spinner from the ’90s

Last but never the least, completing this team of all-time Zimbabwe XI, is the legendary Paul Strang. Considered to be one of the world’s best spin bowlers at that time, he was among the rare few, who excelled at the art of leg-spin.

His unique delivery stride and his ability to rip through any batting line-up, made him an irreplaceable player in the Zimbabwean squad. When he finally hung up his boots in 2001, Zimbabwe had well and truly lost an important cogwheel of their side.