It was not just the Australians who had travelled a long way on Wednesday for a practice session here ahead of their World Cup match against the Netherlands — some of the bowlers at the North West Stadium’s indoor nets had made an even more impressive journey.
The youthful spinners and seamers running in to bowl to the likes of Darren Lehmann and Michael Bevan had come from Hillcrest College in Mutare, Zimbabwe, 1 500km away in order to have the dream opportunity of chancing their arms against the world champions.
They had been hoping to see Zimbabwe take on England at Harare on February 13 but a boycott by Nasser Hussain’s put paid to that. ”The boys were so disappointed when that happened,” said teacher Humphrey Tate.
But despite the problems in their famine-threatened country, the Hillcrest team and their supporters are not easily deterred and they even overcame a petrol shortage so they could fulfil their planned two-game tour of South Africa.
”One of the boys’ mothers drained the fuel from her own cars so we could travel to be here,” explained Tate.
”But we managed to play against St Martin’s in Johannesburg and Potchefstroom Boys’ High and we won them both.
”And to come here and watch these guys train and then for our lads to have a bowl at them is great.”
Batsman-keeper Justin Becker said: ”We tried to get tickets for South Africa against New Zealand but couldn’t. And Bulawayo (where Australlia are due to play next) is some 800km away from Mutare.”
Among the other talented players in Tate’s multi-racial party are left-arm leg-spinner and batsman Cuan Raath. ”I had a bowl at Darren Lehmann and he pulled it. He kept playing the same shot. But that’s the trouble with indoor nets — you can never get any turn!,” he joked.
However, the prospect of seeing Australia play the Netherlands here on Thursday has a particular appeal for Raath.
”Tomorrow is my 16th birthday. This is going to be some present.” – Sapa-AFP