chinaman
March 5, 2004, 01:10 PM
Three days of intermittent rain in Bulawayo have put into doubt the first of five one-day internationals between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.
Grounds superintendent Noel Pick doubts there will be a full day's play. "A large part of the outfield is unplayable at the moment," he said.
"Any more rain and our prospects are remote." But he added: "We will play cricket if we possibly can."
Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak said a shortened game would aid Bangladesh.
He said: "From the point of view of getting a result, I'm hoping for a full day or none at all."
Zimbabwe has named a squad of 14 for the series.
Fast bowler Andy Blignaut is back after a thigh strain sustained in the second Test. He achieved Zimbabwe's first ever Test hat-trick in the first Test in Harare.
Medium pacer Gary Brent is included but there is only one specialist opening batsman in Dion Ebrahim.
Bangladesh has added all-rounder Khaled Mahmud, the former captain, to replace Alok Kapali.
The match provides another opportunity for current skipper Habibul Bashar to find form. His tour scores have been 10, 0, 0, 0, 12 and 13 not out (retired hurt).
His forearm was struck while batting against Zimbabwe A, but an X-ray revealed no damage and he is fit.
BBC >>> (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/3536891.stm)
Grounds superintendent Noel Pick doubts there will be a full day's play. "A large part of the outfield is unplayable at the moment," he said.
"Any more rain and our prospects are remote." But he added: "We will play cricket if we possibly can."
Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak said a shortened game would aid Bangladesh.
He said: "From the point of view of getting a result, I'm hoping for a full day or none at all."
Zimbabwe has named a squad of 14 for the series.
Fast bowler Andy Blignaut is back after a thigh strain sustained in the second Test. He achieved Zimbabwe's first ever Test hat-trick in the first Test in Harare.
Medium pacer Gary Brent is included but there is only one specialist opening batsman in Dion Ebrahim.
Bangladesh has added all-rounder Khaled Mahmud, the former captain, to replace Alok Kapali.
The match provides another opportunity for current skipper Habibul Bashar to find form. His tour scores have been 10, 0, 0, 0, 12 and 13 not out (retired hurt).
His forearm was struck while batting against Zimbabwe A, but an X-ray revealed no damage and he is fit.
BBC >>> (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/3536891.stm)