LARA AND CO TURN UP THE HEAT IN ZIM

This column appeared on 17 November 2010

LARA AND CO TURN UP THE HEAT IN ZIM



By FRANK HEYDENRYCH

There is a bizarre circus taking place in Zimbabwe, where some ageing and some top current cricketers are combining with the locals to put on a cricket tournament of significant quality. Two years into a semblance of normality, an increasing number of external players are swelling the ranks and power of Zimbabwe's domestic sides.

Right now, on DSTV, and on Cricinfo, you can follow the exploits of some of the great cricketers of all time in something that is playing out as a kind of ZPL, termed the Stanbic Bank 20 Series, at the Harare Sports Club.

Top billing has to go to Brian Lara, who at 41 is still scoring runs.

But just look at the rest of the players who have been tempted to Zimbabwe, which now offers a new destination for them to earn a little extra cash and spend their summers: Lou Vincent, the former New Zealand opener; Chris Harris, the ultimate dibbly dobbly bowler and bits and pieces player; Nick Compton, grandson of the legendary Denis; Ryan ten Doeschate, the highly rated allrounder, born in Port Elizabeth but plying his trade for Essex; Andrew Hall, the one-time Protea; Paul Franks, the one-time England and current Nottinghamshire allrounder; Riki Wessels, son of Kepler, plying his trade for Northamptonshire and rated as a future England wicketkeeper; Neil Carter, the former Boland fast bowler now turned opening batsman; Paul Horton, an Australian-born Lancashire opening batsman; and Lance Klusener.

How good is the cricket? Hugely competitive, with thunderous hitting and high scores. Yesterday saw Southern Rocks score 221 off their 20 overs, with Pakistani Sikander Raza making 93 off 48 balls.

Nick Compton, in an entertaining and insightful blog, shares his

perspectives: "Playing against the great Lara on Saturday was enormous fun. To me, he is the best player I have ever seen and played against and even at 41 he is a force to be reckoned with ... the arrogance, swagger and the way he looks (yes - still looks) at the crease with that notably high backlift are all still trademarks of this legend."

But any thought that Zimbabwe has returned to normality are dashed: he could find no petrol, no one offers change when you make a purchase, and you take your life in your hands when drinking the water, no matter how hot you are.