Zimbabwe players in Europe

Posted by brmtaylor.com admin on June 12, 2008

brmtaylor.com has a look at some of the players currently playing in England during the Zimbabwean off-season.

Gary Brent - Wickford (UK)

Playing in the Shepherd Neame Essex League, for the time being anyway, Brent has proven to be a cut above the rest. Recently retired from international cricket, and coming off some strong performances in the Logan Cup, Brent was in good form in his games for Wickford CC.

In his first outing, he struck twice against the opposition, but three other opportunities were lost as a result of dropped catches.

Now living in Hertfordshire, he will transfer to the Lancashire Cricket League on June 24 where he will play for Enfield.

Ryan Butterworth - Bradninch (UK)

Again playing in the Devon League, the Zimbabwe A batsman recorded his first century - 102 not out - after coming so close on many occasions last year, often running out of batting partners.

Team captain Joel Murphy expects his overseas player to bleed runs from now on, he told the local Exeter newspaper; "I was really pleased for Ryan as he threatened to get a big one a couple of times last year but didn't see it though. Sometimes it was purely because he ran out of people to bat with. Having got that first ton out of the way, I reckon there are a few more to come.".

He followed his ton up with a duck, and 43.

Elton Chigumbura - Eppleton (UK)

It took all Zimbabwean cricket fans by surprise to see Elton Chigumbura’s name on the Eppleton team listing, under the impression ZC would not allow this. However, as of yet there have been no reports of Chigumbura actually having played a game yet, so it is unknown how his form has been in the local league.

Terry Duffin - Winsley (UK)

Terry Duffin’s form this English season has been up and down, with his bowling at times more impressive than his batting. With 4 wickets against Malmesbury, he turned the match around single handedly before adding 47 runs himself. Against Purton, he cracked 79 to help his team get over the line.

He is carrying Winsley to a certain extent. They are loitering towards the top of the league’s table thanks to his continued good form, and in one of the games they put down, it is no coincidence that Duffin departed for a duck.

Craig Ervine - Lordswood (UK)

Craig Ervine is a decent batsman in a poor team, top scoring in many embarassing performances, including 19 of 91 runs, and 30 of 125. Not achieving anywhere near the success his brother Sean is for Hampshire, it seems likely Craig will turn out for Old Hararians again next season.

Piet Rinke - Scarborough (UK)

Like Terry Duffin, it’s not only his bat doing the talking. 3-fers, 4-fers... just some of Rinke’s impressive performances this season. But nothing will match his 7/72 against Rotherham. A true man of the match performance, also in the game where he scored 66 not out at a run a ball, Piet Rinke has become Scarborough’s single most important player.

Rumours

John Nyumbu: England (13/6/08: Confirmed that Nyumbu is not playing club cricket in Europe)
Brendan Taylor: England or Netherlands (13/6/08: Confirmed, playing for Lashings in England)
Ed Rainsford: England (13/6/08: Confirmed, playing for Gloucs 2nd XI)
Sean Williams: England