It was the skipper who enabled the home side to accomplish a terrific result in the opening Test match against Bangladesh. Once again a lot will depend on the right-handed Brendan Taylor who will lead Zimbabwe at a venue which hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for them.
Despite worrying records at the Queens Sports Club against Bangladesh, Taylor believes that the pre-winter conditions will help his side.
“I think the season plays a big part. It’s not winter time yet, but it can still be tricky in the morning. We have beaten India here in a one-dayer and chased down New Zealand. I think if we play better cricket on the day any team’s going to win.
“It’s not so much a Bulawayo thing for me, it’s about getting out there and executing your skills. If we play our game, then we are going to be very tough to beat.
Bangladesh are going to be extremely confident after the last Test, which is going to make them even harder to beat. But we have covered all angles and it will be interesting to see how the wicket plays tomorrow,” said Taylor yesterday.
Bangladesh seamer Robiul Islam, who is expected to make his ODI debut today, troubled the Zimbabweans in the Tests. Taylor said that it is a different format for the right-arm fast bowler and that the home side has prepared to face him.
“He (Robiul) will be on a high after the Test matches, but it is a totally different format. There are fewer margins for error.
He is a bowler who bowls tight lines and makes it hard for you to score, but it’s totally different to the red ball. So he is also going to have to be ready.
The guys have prepared well and are hitting the ball nice and hard,” said Taylor.
