In 2013 and 2014, Gary Simon Ballance made his ODI and Test debuts respectively for England and he was a shining star in those days. He may have never done justice to the talent he possessed but his stats included 4 Test centuries in 23 games and two fifties in 16 ODIs, while never having playing for the national side in a T20 international.
A string of low scores after several chances, coupled with a few disciplinary issues meant Ballance had more or less written off any chances of himself playing for England ever again. 2017 was the last time he represented England in any format and then, he decided to make the switch and play for Zimbabwe, which was possible since he was born in that country. Yesterday, he made his international debut for Zimbabwe!
Gary Ballance makes Zimbabwe debut
Amidst all the drama of him making the move, Ballance has actually been having a few good scores in recent months, including back to back centuries for Yorkshire 2nd XI in July this year. And now, he finally got a call-up to the Zimbabwe national side for the series against Ireland, where he represented the former for the first time while also marking his T20I debut.
Yesterday was the 1st T20I at Harare and Ireland was bowled out for just 114, with the hosts being given an easy target to go 1-0 up in the series. And indeed, they managed an easy chase, with Ballance managing to contribute in the middle order on his T20I debut. He came in to bat at number #4 and managed to score 30(29) in a knock which included 2 fours and a six as well.
SEE ALSO: List of top online sports betting sites
There were quite a few reactions on Twitter regarding this debut for the Chevrons, most positive while others a little bit opinionated and against the move. Zimbabwe Cricket was the first to tweet about the moment when he was being handed over his T20I cap before the game began, while quite a few people mentioned ‘welcome home’ as his roots are from Zimbabwe anyway.
Congratulations to Gary Ballance, who is making his T20I debut for 🇿🇼 🧢#ZIMvIRE | #VisitZimbabwe pic.twitter.com/OrvZfMA7SS
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) January 12, 2023
The very experienced pair of @sean14williams & Gary Ballance at the crease together in @ZimCricketv colours for the first time since the 2006 U19s WC 🇿🇼🇮🇪#ZIMvIRE | #VisitZimbabwe
— Zim Undercover Agent (@undercoverzimbo) January 12, 2023
Now Ballance also represented Zimbabwe U-19 way back in 2006 before moving to play some cricket in England, so he knows quite a few of these players already. In fact, the 33-year old left-handed batsman batted alongside Sean Williams for the first time since then, which was sure to spark a little bit of nostalgia among Zimbabwe cricket fans.
Gary Ballance made his ODI debut playing for England vs. Ireland in 2013. Then, George Dockrell played as a left arm spinner for Ireland.
Today, in 2023, he made his T20I debut playing for Zimbabwe vs. Ireland. Today Dockrell played as a batsman for Ireland.
— Prasanna (@rprasannag) January 12, 2023
Local press corps were eager to have a nice chat with Gary Ballance in the post-match presser following his winning debut for Zimbabwe. Sadly ZC says the ex-England batter "not ready" for interviews.
— Enock Muchinjo (@eno_muchinjo) January 12, 2023
Ballance decided to sign a 2-year deal with Zimbabwe after exiting Yorkshire due to a racism scandal and hence, he’s not ready to face the media just yet. He made a good start with his knock of 30 in the 1st T20I but it remains to be seen how he plays in the days and months to come for his new country at the international level.
For similar cricket and sports news from around the world, stay tuned to ReadScoops.com.
Sign-up to JungliWin to get ₹10,000 free bet + 250 free spins
