2 Zimbabwe cricket team players expelled from National team

Zimbabwe national cricket team bowlers, Luke Jongwe and Tendai Chisoro were expelled from the squad yesterday over breaking a curfew during a week-long training camp in Bulawayo last week ahead of their limited-overs series against India starting on Saturday.

 It is understood the two went out for a drink and returned late and could not make it in time for a training session the following day.

The axing of the two has seen Chamu Chibhabha being included in the T-20 series squad.

It is not the first time the two have been sanctioned over the similar misconduct after Jongwe was expelled from camp by then coach Steve Mangongo in 2014.

2 Zimbabwe cricket team players expelled from National team

The development comes as a blow to interim national team coach, Makhaya Ntini ahead of the series, from which he promised a positive outcome.

Zimbabwe will clash with India in three one-day internationals, as well as the same number of T-20 internationals with all matches being played at the Harare Sports Club.

Ntini said he wants to see Zimbabwe starting to record wins against top sides, as he targets an automatic qualification to the 2019 International Cricket Council World Cup.

The team continued with its preparations yesterday, where they were joined by new batting coach Lance Klusener.

India arrived with a young squad yesterday, where Sanjay Bangar, who is coaching the team for this tour, said it was an opportunity for players on the fringes to shine.

“I am excited and I would like to thank the Board of Control for Cricket in India for this huge honour,” he told Indian media.

“This is an important tour for the young players. It provides them an ideal opportunity to test themselves in international waters. It is the start of a new season and it gives them an opportunity to make a mark and keep knocking at the doors of the Indian team.”

He is wary of the Zimbabwean conditions, which he described as challenging.

“The conditions are a bit challenging compared to the other parts of the world. We don’t have a lot of time there and we play our (first) match straight away. Passing on the information and experiences that we have had from previous tours would be vital. We have to make sure that the players are well-prepared and equipped to counter the challenges,” he said.

Source-Newsday