Flower unhappy with team's performance

Zimbabwe wicketkeeper Andy Flower said on Wednesday the performance of his team in the first Test against India was "very disappointing".

Zimbabwe lost the match by eight wickets at the Queens Sports Club to give India a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.

"It all went wrong from our first innings," Flower said.

"We batted in a very loose and careless fashion - all of us.

"On a really good pitch we threw wickets away and to do that in the first innings when you should be taking the initiative was criminal."

Flower was more positive heading into the second Test which starts at the Harare Sports Club on Friday as the pitch promises to have more bounce and life, which could suit the home side's bowling.

"The last time we played at this ground we beat them," Flower said. "On this wicket you can get these Indian batsmen out, there's no doubt about that.

"They look more vulnerable when the ball is bouncing a little so it's important for us to take the initiative whether it's with ball or bat on the first morning."

Zimbabwe bowlers Heath Streak and Henry Olonga were unable to bowl during the second innings of the first Test after picking up injuries, through Streak is fit again and will play while Olonga has been replaced by Travis Friend.

Friend withdrew from the team on the morning of the first Test because of a thigh muscle strain and was replaced by Olonga.

"It is part of our problem that we haven't got bowlers that you can rely on for 20-22 overs a day," Flower said.

"That is why we end up picking five bowlers (but) it leaves us slightly unbalanced with five specialist batsmen, a wicket-keeper and five bowlers.

"But that's what the selectors think is right though and with all that bowling we should be able to get 20 wickets."

The team: Heath Streak (captain), Guy Whittall, Dion Ebrahim, Stuart Carlisle, Alistair Campbell, Andy Flower, Grant Flower, Andy Blignaut, Brian Murphy, Travis Friend, Brighton Watambwa, Raymond Price (12th man).

Mail Cricket Editor