Aislabie
Test Cricket is Best Cricket
Zimbabwe Tour of Australia 2011
Australia v Zimbabwe
Second One Day International at
The Adelaide Oval
Two Changes for Zimbabwe, But Can They Stop the Rot?
Australia
After their comprehensive victory in the first match of the series, Australia have not changed their team, and indeed it's hard to see why they would. Haddin and Khawaja both made big runs at the top of the order, and all the bowlers except Siddle and Watson picked up scalps. Indeed, the only thing that might be worrying them is the lack of match practice their batsmen have, but against the Zimbabwean bowling attack, batsmen below one and two may be surplus to requirements. Still, the Hussey brothers at four and five showed excellent form in the T20 internationals, and will be hoping for more of the same if they get a bat.
Zimbabwe
After looking extremely short of his best in the first match, Prosper Utseya makes way for Gary Chirimuuta who will hopefully strengtheen the batting somewhat. Also, Ray Price has picked up a stomach bug which will see him out for three days to recover in time for the final ODI and test match. There is still no room in the side for Keegan Meth or Timycen Maruma who bowled seven overs for 84 between them in the T20. This means that Graeme Cremer will play, although Zimbabwe may end up relying much too heavily on Sean Williams' part time spinners, as they only have four regular bowlers.
Brendan Taylor has won the toss and chosen to bowl first, a brave decision considering the conditions. "The pitch looks uneven," he told SuperSport's Kepler Wessels, "but it won't get a lot worse in 100 overs. The weather is going to be hot and sunny, so the outfield should get quicker as the day goes on. The light should be crystal clear all day, and if we're disciplined, then today could just be our day." Brave words from the Zimbabwean captain who can definitely talk the talk, but can he walk the walk? Find out soon.
