‘The outcome could have been different’ - Craig Ervine urges Zimbabwe to improve their fielding

Zimbabwe’s Craig Ervine recently came forward and pointed out the team's poor fielding performance after Zimbabwe drew the first Test against Afghanistan. The visitors’ saw Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi put in excellent performances, scoring 234 and 246 runs, respectively. 

Talking about his side’s performance, Craig Ervine reflected on how the outcome of the first Test could have been different if Zimbabwe had taken their chances in the field. 

"The one little area where we'll probably look back and think, 'the outcome could have been different if we'd taken our chances in the field'. I think a lot of credit also has to go to Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah, they way the batted was exceptional, patient, determined, and they showed great application for long periods of time,” Craig Ervine was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. 

It is worth noting that the first Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan was riddled with rain. Furthermore, only 13 wickets were taken from the start of the final day, which meant that forcing a result in the game was difficult for either side in the game. 

"We knew that pitch would come to the fifth day, down to maybe the last two sessions. I think it was going to be tough to take 20 wickets on that surface, but at the same time, you don't know where the game would have gone,” Ervine added. 

Also Read: Zimbabwe, Afghanistan settle for dull draw in Boxing Day Test

Zimbabwe set to face Afghanistan in second Test from January 2

The first Test of the ongoing series between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan ended in a draw. After Zimbabwe posted a total of 586 runs in the first innings, Afghanistan replied with a score of 699 runs. Zimbabwe ended the clash with 142 runs, losing four wickets in the process as the game was drawn. 

With the first Test producing no result, both sides will hope that the second clash will be different. Zimbabwe will take on Afghanistan in the second Test of the series at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo from January 2.