Former Zimbabwe cricketer and at present their batting consultant Grant Flower thinks his team has enough firepower to repeat their feat in their second one-day international against Bangladesh today.
Zimbabwe eked out a narrow nine-run win in the first ODI on Wednesday to take an unexpected 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Flower joined the team after the game which came as an added boost for the visitors.
Flower was one of their senior cricketers who retired following a political row in 2004, but he came out of his retirement recently to serve his country. He was initially picked as a player, though age did not permit him to repeat his masterclass batting this time around.
He later joined the team as batting consultant. His former team-mate Heath Streak is already working as bowling consultant of the side.
‘I think we have a good bowling attack for Bangladesh conditions,’ Flower told reporters on Thursday.
Flower was aware of the backlash that Zimbabwe could face from Bangladesh, who started the series as clear favourites especially after their recent 4-0 triumph over New Zealand.
‘I am not sure about Bangladesh’s gameplan. They have to improve and
so have to Zimbabwe. They have to get better in various areas. So it will be a good game,’ Flower said.
The former Essex batsman, having 221 ODI matches under his belt, also does not expect the game will have a lot of runs.
‘It won’t be that high scoring like that in the past. The team that handles the pressure well will do well. Both teams have good spinners,’ he said. About his current role in the team the coach had set his sights on preparing the team.
‘My job is to prepare the team as well as possible. Impart experience, a few tips along the way,’ he said.
Flower, however, refused to make any comment on the non-selection of vice-captain Hamilton Masakadza for the first one-dayer.
‘I wasn’t involved in the selection process but I think they wanted to give Regis Chakabva a go and the lad did well. Not sure if Hamilton will play tomorrow [Thursday],’ he said.
