India vs Zimbabwe 2016: The hosts start preparation with 2-week-long camp
Zimbabwe has organised a 2-week-long training programme as a part of the preparations for the upcoming limited-overs series against India. A total of 33 players are set to begin the preparations in two separate camps in Bulawayo and Harare from Monday (May 30). The Bulawayo camp will be overseen by head coach Dave Whatmore and bowling coach Makhaya Ntini and will consist of Elton Chigumbura, Hamilton Masakadza, Sikandar Raza and co while a different camp set in Harare.
The first group will be divided into two teams for a round of practice matches and will participate in a practice session at the Queens Sports Club on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. They will play two 50-over practice matches on Tuesday and Thursday while a T20 practice match will be held on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the rest of the ten players will go through their practice routines in Harare guided by the Zimbabwe A coach Douglas Hondo. All the 33 players will get together five days before the first ODI, on June 6 for the final sessions and fitness tests.
Also read: India vs Zimbabwe 2016 Squad: Final Indian team for India tour of Zimbabwe 2016 announced
A significantly young India team led by seasoned and experienced limited overs captain, MS Dhoni, is slated to tour Zimbabwe for a three-match ODI series that will kick off with an ODI on June 11, followed by two more 50-over games on June 13 and June 15. After the conclusion of the ODI series, India will play three Twenty20 Internationals on June 18, June 20 and June 22. All the matches are scheduled to be played at Harare Sports Club.
Zimbabwe will be will be looking to put on a better performance than what they have been able to in the recent past, and that could be the reason behind the training camps.
When the two teams met during the India tour of Zimbabwe in 2015, India comprehensively won the ODI series under the temporary skipper Ajinkya Rahane and whitewashed the hosts. Zimbabwe came back a bit stronger in the T20 series and levelled it to end the tour.
Zimbabwe practice squads
In Bulawayo: Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Brian Chari, Tendai Chatara, Chamu Chibhabha, Elton Chigumbura, Tendai Chisoro, Graeme Cremer, Craig Ervine, Luke Jongwe, Timycen Maruma, Hamilton Masakadza, Peter Joseph Moor, Tapiwa Mufudza, Tawanda Mupariwa, Tarisai Musakanda, Richmond Mutumbami, Taurai Muzarabani, Tinashe Panyangara, Vusimuzi Sibanda, Donald Tiripano, Malcolm Waller and Sean Williams.
In Harare: Regis Chakabva, Trevor Garwe, Neville Madziva, Wellington Masakadza, Shingirai Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Natsai M’shangwe, Kudakwashe Munyede, Tinotenda Mutombodzi and Victor Nyauchi.