Zimbabwe cricket - Tough task ahead for Grant Flower

There are examples of cricketers retiring and then reverse their decision and makes a return to international cricket again. But very few have been able to make a positive impact on their respective teams.

Bobby Simpson of Australia returned to the international cricket to captain a Packer plagued Australian side against the West Indies in 1978. Everyone praised his courage but a series defeat wasn’t avoidable.

Very recently Mohamad Yousuf returned to international cricket from a retirement. His presence in the team gave solidity to the fragile Pakistani batting at the Oval Test in but with the progress of time he was just a shadow of his glorious past.  

Imran Khan also retired from international cricket in 1987, but again made a comeback in 1988 to compete a series against the mighty West Indies. Imran returned with a bang from 1988 to 1992, Pakistan cricket had reached the peak of excellence. Imran gifted Pakistan its finest moments by lifting the World Cup in MCG in 1992.

But not everyone can script glory like Imran Khan.

39-year old Grant Flower, the younger brother of Andy Flower, has made a shocking return to international cricket. He has been included in the Zimbabwe squad which will tour South Africa in October.

In the earlier part of this decade, Zimbabwe’s cricket fortunes took a serious setback when the country’s politicians intervened. It led to the retirement of many of the country’s stalwarts which includes names like Andy Flower, Grant Flower etc. Many had to leave the scene prematurely. Zimbabwe’s cricket deteriorated tremendously and in mid 2000s, Zimbabwe Cricket Board decided to take a break from Test cricket to build themselves and thus, at present Zimbabwe’s cricket is traveling through a tough time. Their past vim have sapped away and they are not a fighting unit anymore.

To bring back the hey days of Zimbabwe cricket and install stability; Grant Flower has taken a very courageous step. But how well he will cope with the modern day cricket remains a moot question. He was in touch with cricket as he had played six seasons of County Cricket with Essex, but international cricket is a different story altogether. More over, his age will be a big hurdle to cope with the modern day’s fast and furious cricket.

Again, there is that additional pressure of team’s batting coach job. It will be a very tough task for Grant Flower. Surely, there’s a tough job ahead for him.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar