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Zim not pushovers, says balling coach Heath Streak

By Pti

Ahmedabad, Feb 17 (PTI) Zimbabwe balling coach HeathStreak today said that his team was no pushover or underdogsand were looking forward to causing some upsets during the ICCcricket World Cup 2011.

"We play every game to win. The young guys have agreat opportunity to showcase their talent to raise the levelof the game. It is a dream come true for some of the guys toplay the world cup," the former skipper of Zimbabwe said.

Streak said that his team had the ability and talent,which just need to be used to convert in consistentperformances.

Zimbabwe plays its first match against defendingchampion Australia at the Sardar Patel stadium, Motera, hereon February 21.

"Our boys will be going after their opponents and lookforward to cause some upsets. At least they would show them(opponents) that they are here and not some pushover. We arecompetitive and here to win. We do not want to disappoint ourcountry," Streak said.

He further said that they have a good practice at theICC Dubai academy for a whole week where they also played twowarm-up games.

The former skipper also said that though they had somehiccups in the run up to the world cup, but now the boys weregeared up and ready to go. .

When asked how would he use the spin which had been the team''s forte, Streak said that he had some experiencedspinners who have completed over 100 ODIs, so his role waslimited to facilitating them.

He further said seam bowlers too would be playingimportant role for the team.

"Being a seamer, my forte is on seam and I believethat it is going to play important role. But spin has been ourstrength, and we do not go away from our strength," he said.

When asked if batting was causing him more worry forthe team than bowling, Streak said it was not that much worry.

"We have had some good games in the recent past andalso, opening player like Brandon Taylor was in good form andgiving consistent performance," he said.

About the young team, Streak said that experiencewould come with time for the players.

"You cannot buy experience. and that I think islacking, but at the same time I think experience will comewith time for them," he said.

With former Zimbabwe players like himself, GrantFlower (fielding coach), Alister Campbell (team selector) andformer England player Allan Butcher as coach, the learningprocess for the young team would become faster, Streak said.

The Zimbabwe team which arrived here yesterdaypractised for over four hours at the Sardar Patel stadium.

Story first published: Friday, February 18, 2011, 11:55 [IST]
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