Ervine bounces back

Sport
MIDDLE-ORDER batsman Craig Ervine has committed himself to play for Zimbabwe again after two years in the wilderness.

MIDDLE-ORDER batsman Craig Ervine has committed himself to play for Zimbabwe again after two years in the wilderness. SENIOR SPORTS REPORTER

Ervine quit Zimbabwe after financial disputes, but after playing club cricket in Australia and Ireland the left-handed batsmen has made a sensational return to make himself available for selection in the national team again.

Speculation had linked him with a move to play for Ireland but the player has since joined the Zimbabwe national squad preparing for a tour to Bangladesh.

With coach Steve Mangongo trying to find answers on how his players can improve playing against spin, Ervine’s arrival might have come at a propitious time ahead of the Bangladesh tour.

Yesterday the 29-year-old told our sister paper NewsDay Sport that he was hoping that he could be selected in the touring squad.

“I am glad to be back, I have been away for a long time, I played in Ireland and Australia, and it was tough making lots of travelling,” Ervine said.

“I want to play for my nation again, it gives me an opportunity to play all three formats of the game and international cricket is more competitive. I had left because at that time I couldn’t make a living playing locally and I think things are better off now.”

Ervine is one of the best players of spin in the country and his arrival could help solve a major problem for Zimbabwe as they prepare to face Bangladesh where spin will be a dominant factor.

But he returns at a time when competition for places is stiff with some newer players buoyed by their performances in last month’s triangular series against Australia and South Africa.

Also making a return is Gregg Lamb who joined the national squad in training this week despite having announced retirement from the game.

The players’ return will increase the pool of selection and the selectors will have more options.

Wayne James has since taken up his new position as assistant coach having been relieved of his duties as national selector.

Zimbabwe will be travelling to Bangladesh this month for an important three Test series tour as well as a one day international series which would help them prepare for next year’s International Cricket Council World Cup which will be hosted in Australia and New Zealand.