Former international cricketers engage in a banter on Facebook

Former Zimbabwean international cricketers – Mark Vermeulen and Brendan Taylor unleashed on each other in a scathing Facebook banter about the national team’s on-field performance. The two, showed no mercy as they argued over Zimbabwe’s most recent loss to Afghanistan in a One-Day International. Zimbabwe, in response to Afghanistan’s 9/253 from was bowled out for 54 runs in just 13.5 overs.

Taylor defended the team, saying: “Ex-players and commentators always sit back and chip away because it’s easy watching from the comfort of their homes or from a commentary box but forget how tough it can be in the middle.” But Vermeulen had another opinion.

The banter was soon joined by another individual who asked Vermeulen to support his country or go out on the pitch and bat himself to prove his worth. And the 37-year-old didn’t spare the intruder either.

Taylor then took to Twitter to post a screenshot of the Facebook conversation, calling Vermeulen a “psycho”.

Apart from Vermeulen, Taylor also took a dig at former Zimbabwean captain Stuart Carlisle, who also criticized the team’s shameful loss to Afghanistan. “I see we’ve lost another ODI series to the Afghans, yet another new low for Zim cricket!! V sad!!” Carlisle posted on Facebook.

In his initial Facebook post defending Zimbabwe, Taylor posted Carlisle’s batting stats, showing he averaged 26.91 across 37 Tests and 27.67 in 111 ODIs.

“These stats should back up his statement,” Taylor wrote.

Taylor has played 23 Tests and 167 ODIs for his country. Having signed a Kolpak currently plays for Nottinghamshire, he is not only recognized as a batsman but is also a part-time wicketkeeper and off-spinner. The 31-year-old is regarded as one of the best batsmen in Zimbabwean cricketing history.

Such ugly comments and spats can never be expected from, former international players. Well, who said cricket is a gentleman’s game?!