Ervine Rocks Zimbabwe

With the off season winding towards a close, some of Hampshire’s players have been busy plying their trade overseas during the winter. A number have been involved with England’s various national sides. Others have been honing their skills in domestic competitions around the world. And someone has simply returned to their country of birth to rack up some big runs.

Sean Ervine, returning to his native Zimbabwe to play for the Southern Rocks franchise, made his mark immediately and in some style, crashing a glorious 208 in the first innings and a near match winning 160 in the second, on debut against the Mid West Rhinos.

In the first innings, Ervine made his way to the wicket with his side in dire straits having lost three wickets with the score on just 13. But despite that, Rose Bowl favourite Slug, put on a mammoth 178 run partnership with his brother Craig, who made 81, and took his side from the abyss to a healthy first innings lead.

It was his highest First Class score and rescued the Southern Rocks in an innings where they looked like crumbling into submission. Ervine had a successful 2009 season with Hampshire, scoring three hundreds and building on his reputation as a rock himself in the middle order. An average of 40 helped him become the Hawks’ fourth highest run scorer of the year. He was part of the ‘rebel’ group of cricketers that openly clashed with the Zimbabwe Cricket Union in 2004 and he left to start a new cricketing life in Australia and England.

Ervine’s debut innings for his new side will have re-established his status as one of his country’s finest cricketers. Joining his younger brother at Southern Rocks will give him a perfect opportunity to play himself into form and to get himself match fit for the upcoming English domestic season. With the plethora of new signings Hampshire have made Ervine will be aware that competition for places will be tough so his stint in Zimbabwe could be the perfect preparation for another high quality season.

Ervine also had a say with the ball on his first match back home. He took 1 for 37 in the Rhinos’ first innings, dismissing opposition captain Vusi Sibanda for just 10. After his considerable batting heroics, which earned his side an important 107 run lead, he claimed 2 for 63 as the Rhinos set about making up the difference. Ervine managed to remove the dangerous Brendan Taylor but only after Taylor had blasted his way to a thrilling 217.

Chasing 337 to win, Southern Rocks once again found themselves in trouble. However, Ervine once again responded in earnest. An audacious display saw Sean hit 17 fours and a six to register his second century of the match. A late collapse denied Southern Rocks victory with Ervine eventually dismissed for 160 in the dying stages and the game ended in a draw. But despite the match not going entirely his team’s way, he has put in a whole-hearted individual performance and this can be no bad thing for Hampshire fans.

The Rose Bowl will be hoping for much more of the same from Slug in the coming season.

(rosebowlplc.com, 2010)