Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
ZIMBABWE’s senior men’s cricket team, the Chevrons, are anxiously monitoring the fitness of veteran batsman, Brendan Taylor, ahead of their T20 World Cup group match against Australia.
The Chevrons are set to face Australia on Friday, but preparations have been unsettled following concerns over Taylor’s condition. The experienced batsman was forced to limp off during Monday’s emphatic eight-wicket victory over Oman.
Taylor was hurt in the closing stages of the match and was replaced by captain Sikandar Raza, raising fears over the extent of the injury.
Speaking in an on-field post-match interview, Raza admitted the situation remains unclear, saying the team will wait on medical assessments before making a final call on Taylor’s availability.
All-rounder Wesley Madhevere has been placed on standby should the experienced campaigner be ruled out of the high-profile encounter.
Elsewhere in Group B, Sri Lanka has suffered a major blow after star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga was ruled out of the tournament.
Sri Lankan media reports that Hasaranga has sustained a hamstring injury that will keep him sidelined for about four weeks, ending his World Cup campaign in the event co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India.
Zimbabwe will meet Sri Lanka in their final Group B match on the 19th, but immediate focus remains on Friday’s showdown with Australia, as the Chevrons await clarity on Taylor’s fitness.
