Zimbabwe coach blames players' injuries for defeat

June 12, 2001

Zimbabwe coach Carl Rackemann has blamed his side's eight-wicket defeat by India in the first cricket Test in Bulawayo on injuries to key players, captain Heath Streak and Henry Olonga.

India beat Zimbabwe on Sunday with a day to spare to record their first victory outside the sub continent in 15 years.

"We lost because of the injury to Henry Olonga and Heath Streak. When you have an injury to any of your bowlers, it is a big setback. Otherwise there is nothing wrong with the players. The team has a nucleus of very good and experienced players," the coach said.

Rackemann said with the loss of the two bowlers, who were injured before the start of India's second innings, all hopes were lost. But he said the performance of Brighton Watambwa, playing in only his third Test, gave them the confidence of winning the second match and forcing a draw in the two match series.

"The young man who has just started his career took over the baton and spearheaded the attack. The manner in which he did the job was good," he said.

Rackemann hoped their performance would be a lot better in the second Test in Harare which starts on Friday. Streak is expected to recover in time but Olonga has been ruled out of the Test.

"We were in India last year and were beaten there. They (India) recently beat Australia, the world's top cricketing team. Although Zimbabwe have beaten India in Harare, it shows what opposition the country is facing," the coach said.

© PTI

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