ZIMBABWE are in Ireland for the maiden Test match against the hosts scheduled for Stormont, Belfast starting on Thursday.
After superintendending over his first series as the Chevrons head coach, Justin Sammons kept faith in the bulk of the young and inexperienced players.
Mixed, with more seasoned campaigners in the mold of Test skipper, Craig Ervine, all-rounder Sean Williams and seamer Tendai Chatara, the youngsters are in safe hands and have an opportunity to learn fast and from the best.
Sammons said he is still assessing his players to see who suits which format in the long run.
"Yeah, so we've obviously been trying to get some sessions in with the Test guys. Look, I feel, in terms of this young group, especially the batters that we've got in this T20 squad, I think the more red ball (Test) cricket they play, the better they're going to be for it," said Sammons.
"You know, it's that grounding and fundamentals that will carry them, or keep them in good stead moving forward. So, I won't necessarily say one is suited to one format more than the other at the moment. I won't box him in that sort of category."
The series against India at home ended in a 4-1 defeat for the hosts, but lots of positives from the head coach. "I think you can look at Brian Bennett, who's been extremely positive the way he's come out and played. I think the more red ball cricket he plays, the better he's going to be in these formats. So I'd encourage those young players to get as much of the longer format as possible," he said.
"I think there is huge potential. I mean, this is showing. Like I said, we were playing against the best in the world with a team with, like, minimal experience...the margins in a few games have been close, you know. So they've got to carry their heads high."
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Sammons paid tribute to the local cricket fans that thronged Harare Sports Club during the ended Indian series.
"I can't believe that's an incredible atmosphere. I think, I mean, obviously, you play in India, and the crowds are incredible, and the noise level is right up there," he said.
"But this crowd creates an amazing atmosphere. They're singing, they're dancing, you know. They're just enjoying the game. And that's good to see, as well. We've obviously been on the losing end, you know. "But they're still behind the team.
"They're getting involved. I think Zimbabwe is very fortunate to have a crowd like this. It's something you don't experience that often, you know, wherever you may go in the world."
Zimbabwe Test Squad for Ireland.
Craig Ervine (C), Brian Bennett, Jonathan Campbell, Tendai Chatara, Tanaka Chivanga, Joylord Gumbie, Roy Kaia, Clive Madande, Wellington Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Sean Williams.
