THE senior women’s national cricket side has received a major boost ahead of its upcoming assignments with news that experienced batter Sharne Mayers has fully recovered from an injury she picked last year.
The 31-year-old picked a knee injury and went for surgery but then suffered a setback during rehabilitation which saw her recovery being prolonged.
After enduring a long and frustrating layoff, Mayers is now scheduled to return to competitive cricket.
She last featured for the Lady Chevrons in a series against Thailand away in Bangkok in April last year.
Prior to her suffering the injury, the former Zimbabwe women’s captain had moved to position 18 on the ICC Women’s T20 batter rankings following her match-winning knock of 67 off 71 balls in the opening T20I against Thailand.
Her return has coincided with that of pace bowler Audrey Mazvishaya, who has also recovered from a hip injury, giving the team a near clean bill of health heading into upcoming assignments against India, the African Games and the ICC Women’s T20I Global Qualifiers in Dubai, United Arab Emirates later this year.
Recently appointed Lady Chevrons substantive head coach Walter Chawaguta welcomed the duo’s return.
“The gradual return of some of our senior players who were absent from the recent Ireland series will help us going forward and hopefully all, if not most, will be back in contention for a spot in the squad that will represent the country at the Global Qualifiers,” Chawaguta told NewsDay Sport yesterday.
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“It's good to have Sharne Mayers back in the setup after a long layoff. She adds batting strength at the top order while Audrey Mazvishaya's white balls skills will beef up our bowling resources."
The recently ended limited series against Ireland women at Harare Sports Club saw two leading players, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano and Ashley Ndiraya, picking up knocks. Top order batter, Mugeri-Tiripano pulled her harmstring and was ruled out for a couple of weeks while Ndiraya sprained her ankle and is doubtful for the Global Qualifiers.
Vice-captain Josephine Nkomo and wicketkeeper batter Modester Mupachikwa also missed the series against Ireland away on club cricket duty in Australia.
"Chipo Mugeri is still recovering from her hamstring injury and will, hopefully, be good to go at the Global Qualifiers. Josephine Nkomo and Modester Mupachikwa, currently playing in Australia, will also be back in time for the Global Qualifiers as well,” added Chawaguta.
The experienced coach who had stints with the senior men’s national team is looking forward to a fruitful tenure after taking over from former coach Gary Brent.
“It means a great deal to be assigned this responsibility. It’s good to be part of the development of women’s game and work with a talented group of players,” he said.
“Gary did a fantastic job with the group, building a sense of belief and improved game sense in the group. I plan to perpetuate the same plan, bring it to full maturity, build bigger or stronger bench to induce a much-required jostling for spots in the squads.”
