NAGPUR: The political instability in Zimbabwe had rocked cricket hard and players were the victims as they were denied Test cricket for number of years.
However, things are looking up and Zimbabwe are once again back in the main stream. The cricket development programme in the African country is on the right track and results will be seen soon, according to Heath Streak.
The former Zimbabwe captain, who himself had serious problems with Zimbabwe Cricket (CZ) after he was sacked as skipper unceremoniously in 2004, has joined the hands with the cricket board officials with only one aim: To take cricket forward in Zimbabwe.
The 36-year-old, who is now helping the side as bowling coach, said the turmoil in Zimbabwe cricket is finally over and people will see better performance during the World Cup.
"Yes, things are lot better now. The bad days are over. There are positive thoughts going on in Zimbabwe cricket and that is the reason why several former cricketers have joined CZ. Besides me, Grant Flower, Alistair Campbell (selection convener) and few others are part of the system in various capacities which is a very good sign for overall cricket in Zimbabwe," Streak told TOI on Monday.
"We are in a rebuilding phase. There is a vision in Zimbabwe to do well at the international level. With so many former cricketers involved in the present structure, things will only improve from here. Me, Grant and Campbell have played cricket for many years and now we hope to share our experience with the present team. Hopefully, we will inspire the boys to do well. We are looking forward to Test cricket, but it's a long way to go," explained Streak.
Zimbabwe will play their first Test against Bangladesh in August which will mark their re-entry to Test cricket after a long gap of six years.
Coming back to the World Cup, Streak said his team has the ability and talent to reach the knock-out stage. "Every team in the World Cup wants to do well. We know our limitations. We will take it one game at a time rather than aiming too far. Our preparations have been fine with some warm up matches. We have the ability and talent to reach the quarterfinals," said Streak.
Zimbabwe's all-time great all-rounder said the team's strength will be spinners during the World Cup. "We are relying on spinners and partly on our fielding. We have three quality spinners who can do well against all oppositions. Ray Price will spearhead the attack. He will be assisted by off-spinner Prosper Utseya and leg-spinner Graeme Cremer. The trio should be effective in sub-continental conditions," he remarked.
He, however, did not rule out the importance of pace bowlers as their success in the first two powerplays will be crucial.
"As a bowling coach and former fast bowler, I have to guide our pace bowling attack. They are a little inexperienced, but they are willing to learn fast. My motto will be to share my knowledge with the youngsters. I hope they will learn from me," he stressed.
However, things are looking up and Zimbabwe are once again back in the main stream. The cricket development programme in the African country is on the right track and results will be seen soon, according to Heath Streak.
The former Zimbabwe captain, who himself had serious problems with Zimbabwe Cricket (CZ) after he was sacked as skipper unceremoniously in 2004, has joined the hands with the cricket board officials with only one aim: To take cricket forward in Zimbabwe.
The 36-year-old, who is now helping the side as bowling coach, said the turmoil in Zimbabwe cricket is finally over and people will see better performance during the World Cup.
"Yes, things are lot better now. The bad days are over. There are positive thoughts going on in Zimbabwe cricket and that is the reason why several former cricketers have joined CZ. Besides me, Grant Flower, Alistair Campbell (selection convener) and few others are part of the system in various capacities which is a very good sign for overall cricket in Zimbabwe," Streak told TOI on Monday.
"We are in a rebuilding phase. There is a vision in Zimbabwe to do well at the international level. With so many former cricketers involved in the present structure, things will only improve from here. Me, Grant and Campbell have played cricket for many years and now we hope to share our experience with the present team. Hopefully, we will inspire the boys to do well. We are looking forward to Test cricket, but it's a long way to go," explained Streak.
Zimbabwe will play their first Test against Bangladesh in August which will mark their re-entry to Test cricket after a long gap of six years.
Coming back to the World Cup, Streak said his team has the ability and talent to reach the knock-out stage. "Every team in the World Cup wants to do well. We know our limitations. We will take it one game at a time rather than aiming too far. Our preparations have been fine with some warm up matches. We have the ability and talent to reach the quarterfinals," said Streak.
Zimbabwe's all-time great all-rounder said the team's strength will be spinners during the World Cup. "We are relying on spinners and partly on our fielding. We have three quality spinners who can do well against all oppositions. Ray Price will spearhead the attack. He will be assisted by off-spinner Prosper Utseya and leg-spinner Graeme Cremer. The trio should be effective in sub-continental conditions," he remarked.
He, however, did not rule out the importance of pace bowlers as their success in the first two powerplays will be crucial.
"As a bowling coach and former fast bowler, I have to guide our pace bowling attack. They are a little inexperienced, but they are willing to learn fast. My motto will be to share my knowledge with the youngsters. I hope they will learn from me," he stressed.
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