Brighton Zhawi
Author, The Thirdman
Peter Joseph Moor has played 13 Tests, eight of them are for Zimbabwe and the other five for Ireland.The two nations are set to meet in a one-off Test match in Belfast from July 25 and Moor is set to earn another Test cap, but this time against his country of birth. How is that?Continue reading “Moor Excitement As PJ Faces Zim”
Life after playing a professional sport can be a challenge for many, but not for Vusimuzi Sibanda. He is making great strides in Australia after his career as a cricketer for Zimbabwe. Sibanda has transitioned into coaching and seems to be doing well, as evidenced by his invitation to join Cricket Australia’s Prime Minister’s XIContinue reading “Vusi Sibanda making great strides Down Under”
Brighton Mugochi is making waves in Hampshire, one of the 18 first-class counties in England and Wales. The Zimbabwean is making significant contributions to the future of cricket in this county. Mugochi runs the S and B Academy, which has nurtured players talented enough to represent Hampshire’s age group teams. As “The Thirdman,” I wasContinue reading “Mugochi and former England Test opener cooking something special in Hampshire.”
A dream that started in the backyard is taking a boy who used to sell airtime and second-hand shoes to make ends meet in the streets of Marondera to new heights. Marondera is a small town to the east of Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, and it’s one of the coldest parts of the country. But fromContinue reading “Mutiti’s Backyard Dream: From Marondera to New York”
The man who changed my life is changing cricket in Botswana. Stanley Timoni gave me my first shot at professional cricket in 2015, and he has taken his coaching journey to Zimbabwe’s neighbour to the west. I was on my way home after a training session with my mates at Harare Sports Club when TimoniContinue reading “Timoni: The man who changed my life, changing Botswana Cricket “
Zimbabwean cricketer Anesu Mushangwe is living her dream in her new “home” country. They say home is where the heart is, and for Mushangwe, cricket is where her heart lies. Being in Australia, where cricket is like the heartbeat of the nation, makes it a perfect match for her. She is the first Zimbabwean women’sContinue reading “Anesu Mushangwe: “Living the Dream””
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup is set to return to Africa in 2027, and this reminded me of the 2003 edition, which was co-hosted by Zimbabwe and South Africa. The impact of this event was profound for me and many others. Although I had discovered my love for cricket a few years prior, theContinue reading “Dave Houghton is special!”
Sean Williams holds the longest T20 International career, dating back to Zimbabwe’s inaugural match against Bangladesh on November 28, 2006, at Khulna. This was a year after the men’s first international T20 was played, but no one has been around longer than Williams. The first-ever T20 international match was played on August 5, 2004, betweenContinue reading “Sean Williams surprised by longest T20I career”
James Michael Anderson is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. His bowling skills and record-breaking achievements are truly remarkable. However, as with all things, the end of his international cricket career is drawing closer with each passing over.
This story is not just about Jimmy Anderson; it also delves into the realm of Zimbabwe Cricket. It is impossible to discuss Anderson without mentioning Zimbabwe, just as it is impossible to talk about English Cricket without acknowledging Zimbabwe’s influence.
If you are a cricket enthusiast, you are likely aware of this fact. But if you are new to the sport, don’t worry—that’s why I’m here. I created this blog to share captivating stories from African sports, and as cricket is my passion, it is only fitting that my first article focuses on this beloved sport.
Occasionally, I will cover other sports, but my primary focus will be on sharing inspirational cricket stories and bringing you closer to the sports stars from Zimbabwe and around the world. My name is Zhawi, and I am a Zimbabwean who played cricket for the Eagles. I had the honour of being the highest wicket-taker for my franchise during a particular season, and over the past ten years, I have worked as a sports journalist. But I am more than just that—I am The Thirdman, and I love telling stories.
As I write to you, Durham County Cricket Club has just completed its preseason in Harare, Zimbabwe and has blown away my former franchise, Eagles to be crowned the Zimbabwe Domestic T20 champions. These are the level of ties that Zimbabwe cricket has with English cricket.
Have you ever played a T20 match where you are the captain of the team and your sister is the match referee? Now imagine being a former international captain yourself, while your sister holds the same position as a former international captain. This is the fascinating story of siblings Chamu and Julia Chibhabha who were both active in the Zimbabwe Domestic T20 competition in their respective roles. These are the kinds of stories I will be bringing to you directly from the heart of Zimbabwe.
Now, let’s return to Jimmy Anderson. Literature is abundant about this cricketing legend, and I firmly believe that he will be knighted in the future. Although I have not had the opportunity to meet him, I hope that one day I can share a story about him with you. The connection between my Zimbabwe Cricket story and Anderson’s journey dates back to May 2003 when James Michael Anderson made his Test debut at Lord’s.
Anderson’s first Test scalp was former Zimbabwe opening batter Mark Vermeulen, it was a delivery that would shape his career as a swing bowler, it was a full fast and straight but Verms played for swing inside the line, only for the ball to clip the off stump. Wicket number one for Jimmy Anderson, in the late Tony Greig’s voice in commentary.
The ageless Anderson took 5 wickets on his Test debut against Zimbabwe and even now he continues to play, taking wickets and shattering records. The latest record is that of joining the 700 club which includes spin greats Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Shane Warne (708).
Given his extensive international career, much has been written about Anderson, but has anyone asked him to keep playing? Why should he retire when he is still physically fit and possesses exceptional skills? It would be an insult to question his abilities. So, I say, “Keep playing, Jimmy.”
How about completing a full circle? In May 2025, Zimbabwe will tour England, and it would be a grand farewell for Jimmy to conclude his extraordinary journey against the nation he will never forget. Old Trafford or Lord’s would be fitting venues for his final performance.
So, that’s it. “Keep playing, Jimmy.” I will see you in May 2025 for your last match.
This being my first post, like Anderson I am bowling full and straight hoping my left-armer angle will give me early scalps (read as new followers to the blogs)
Yours sincerely in cricket,
Zhawi
Thank you for reading, and I look forward to embarking on this storytelling journey with you again in the future.