da esport bet： Stuart Carlisle, captain last season and abruptly discarded by the nationalselectors this season, sent those gentlemen a strong reminder with achanceless double-century at Harare Sports Club
Gus Mackay13-Apr-2003Stuart Carlisle, captain last season and abruptly discarded by the nationalselectors this season, sent those gentlemen a strong reminder with achanceless double-century at Harare Sports Club. In reply to the Manicalandtotal of 397 on the first day, Mashonaland made 431 for nine wickets, with219 coming from the bat of Carlisle, who was still unbeaten at the end.Carlisle was positive and confident, and on a personal level could not havecome at a better time with the selectors due to announce the touring team toEngland the next day. The rest of the team batted well around him, and heshared century partnerships with Craig Evans (44) and Tom Benade (40).The innings had begun badly for Mashonaland, with makeshift opener GlennGoosen (0) and Conan Brewer (5) both out for 15 runs. Trevor Gripper playeda useful innings of 34, but he really needed a large one, like Carlisle, togive the selectors a reminder.Gary Brent was certainly the pick of the Manicaland bowlers, toiling for 28overs with exemplary line and length to take a most creditable five wickets,but probably he also has not done enough this season to win a ticket toEngland. Blessing Mahwire and Richie Sims were both rather disappointing,leaving Brent to toil alone, and the fielding was indifferent at times.The pitch was very flat, with the occasional ball keeping low, but waslikely to deteriorate later in the match. Manicaland, currently 34 runsbehind, will not have to bat last on it. If they can put up another goodfight with the bat, there may well be a good finish.