*Official* Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe 2019/20

[Spark]

Jan 19, Sun - Jan 23, Thu
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test
Harare Sports Club, Harare
7:00 PM
08:00 AMGMT / 10:00 AM LOCAL

Jan 27, Mon - Jan 31, Fri
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Test
Harare Sports Club, Harare
7:00 PM
08:00 AMGMT / 10:00 AM LOCAL

 

[Spark]

I'll be honest the main reason I made this thread is to highlight this piece of galaxy brain brilliance from SL's chief selector:

"Most probably we will go with the same batting lineup [as we did in Karachi], with Angelo Mathews at four, Dinesh Chandimal at five, Dhananjaya de Silva at six and Niroshan Dickwella keeping," [Asantha de Mel] told ESPNcricinfo. "Kusal has an issue with his hamstrings where he can't run around the field as much. And because Dickwella is the main keeper, we thought there was no point taking another keeper."

Kusal had struck Sri Lanka's innings of the year in 2019, his 153 not out in Durban earning global plaudits, but had had a poor series against New Zealand in August and September last year, in which he made 1, 23, 0 and 0. He was in the squad, but did not play a Test in Pakistan.

"Yes, Kusal can make 150s, but we needed someone who can occupy the crease, which is why we chose Thirimanne," de Mel said. "Thirimanne can also bat in the top order or as an opener." Thirimanne's batting average, however, is 22.64 after 68 innings.

Actually scoring runs: overrated, apparently.

 

[Bijed]

That's incredible. Ridiculous justification for picking Thirimanne, although I suppose there's pretty much no such thing as a valid reason for selecting him anyway

 

[NUFAN]

Thirimanne is perceived to be a god for overseas tours. He probably has a big heart, doubt he has even ever got twin 50s in a Test.

Always a nice surprise when a Test series creeps up on you. Actually creeps is not even the right word, im very surprised, thought it would be a T20 series if anything.

 

[Starfighter]

I have no words...

 

[ataraxia]

I'll be honest the main reason I made this thread is to highlight this piece of galaxy brain brilliance from SL's chief selector:



Actually scoring runs: overrated, apparently.

They should have picked Thirimanne for the higher score IMO

 

[Daemon]

Have the Zimbos dropped Chatara? ffs.

 

[Prince EWS]

Have the Zimbos dropped Chatara? ffs.

I think he might be injured.

They dropped Moor and Burl though, which is just as nuts, so I wouldn't put it past them.

 

[Daemon]

Shame. I like Burl's part time leggies. Made Aritra Dutta look like a fool which was amusing tstl.

 

[OverratedSanity]

Thirimanne will play 100 tests.

 

[NUFAN]

Have the Zimbos dropped Chatara? ffs.

Chatara is definitely injured. Charlton Tshuma was included due to Chatters Chatara's bicep injury.

 

[Daemon]

How does a fast bowler injure his bicep ffs. Must’ve been trying to get jacked for the summer.

 

[GoodAreasShane]

Charlton Tshuma, that is the first time I have seen a player in a Test squad who I have genuinely never heard of before in a good 3-4 years. Only 5 FC games but he isn't especially young, ITSTL.

Has anyone here seen him bowl? Late bloomer or just another meme Zimbabwe selection?

 

[Migara]

The actual man to go should be Kusal Mendis. Kusal Perera, should exclusively play limited overs stuff, because that is whay he is good at. Currently, the only position in question is #3. Karunarathne, BOP, Mathews, Chandimal, DdS and Dikwella all have cemented their places. More than tried, tested and failed thiri, Avishka Fernando or Shehan jayasuriya should get the nod.

 

[Prince EWS]

How does a fast bowler injure his bicep ffs. Must’ve been trying to get jacked for the summer.

He's done it before too haha

 

[Shady Slim]

keen as for zimbabwe tests, we haven’t had one in forever and it’s good for cricket

without derailing the thread heaps put me in the basket of people who fell for the bit that mugabe finally keeling over was a blessing for zimbabwe cricket

 

[NUFAN]

How is the buzz for this match?

Actually a decent chance of rain in Harare days 1 and 2 but sunny after that.

I dont know much about the Zimbo openers but its a jam packed middle order. Keen for some Sir Don batting, if he makes 14 and lasts an hour it will be goood.

I checked Kayo and weirdly this isnt being televised, youtube or a nice river?

 

[Starfighter]

Good to see there's still blokes named Ainsley out there.

 

[NUFAN]

Kevin Kevvers Kasuzu on debut is rock solid on 0* off 16.

 

[Starfighter]

Why isn't this pinned?