Zimbabwe no pushovers, says bowling coach Streak

Zimbabwe bowling coach Heath Streak on Thursday refused to be dubbed as pushovers and said they are looking forward to cause some upsets during the cricket World Cup, starting on Saturday.

"We play every game to win. The young guys have a great opportunity to showcase their talent to raise the level of the game. It is a dream come true for some of the guys to play the world cup," the former Zimbabwe skipper said.

Streak said his team has the ability and talent, which just need to be used to put up a good show.

Zimbabwe are up against defending champions Australia in their opening match, to be played at Sardar Patel stadium, Motera, here on February 21.

"Our boys will be going after the opponents and are looking forward to cause some upsets. At least they would show them (opponents) that they are here and not some pushover. We are competitive and here to win. We do not want to disappoint our country," Streak said.

He further said that they trained well at the ICC Dubai academy for a whole week where they also played two warm-up games.

The former skipper also said though they had some hiccups in the run up to the world cup, but now the boys were geared up and ready to go.

When asked how he would use spin which is their big weapon, Streak said that he had some experienced spinners who have played over 100 ODIs, so his role was limited to just guiding them.

He further said seam bowlers too would play an important role for the team.

"Being a seamer, my forte is seam and I believe that it is going to play important role. But spin has been our strength, and we do not go away from our strength," he said.

Asked if batting was causing him more worry than bowling, Streak said, "We have had some good games in the recent past and also, opening player like Brandon Taylor was in good form and giving consistent performance," he said.

About the young team, Streak said that experience would come with time.

"You cannot buy experience and that I think it is lacking. But at the same time experience will come with time," he said.

Streak said since some former players are part of the support staff, the playres are expected to learn fast.

Apart from streak himself, Grant Flower (fielding coach), Alister Campbell (team selector) and former England player Allan Butcher as coach, are in the support staff of the side.

Zimbabwe team which arrived here on wednesday practised for over four hours at the Sardar Patel stadium.