Of the very few but noteworthy names in Zimbabwean Cricket, one name that stands out with much recognition is that of Grant Flower. For years and years, he along with Andy, built a solid cricketing foundation in Zimbabwe and a lot of the team's success can be attributed to “Flower Power”.
The younger of the two, Grant was a phenomenal right-handed opening batsman and a handy left-arm orthodox spinner. Despite possessing the temperament to play long innings, he slipped to the No. 6 position in ODIs, after realizing that much of his success came in that place. He was a powerful striker of the ball and a brilliant, athletic fieldsman. Grant made his ODI and Test debut against India in 1992, and immediately impressed with a fine knock of 82 in the first one-day international. He contributed significantly to Zimbabwe's first-ever Test victory with a unbeaten double ton, but soon lost the form and his batting averages were enough proof. With Andy's retirement soon after, Grant was expected to carry the team's responsibility on his shoulders, but an unsuccessful tour to England in 2003 exposed his weaknesses. Add to it, a broken thumb and he was ruled of the Australia tour that followed.
Injury woes coupled with the dispute between Zimbabwe's rebel players and the board compelled Grant to call it quits and in 2004, he played his last Test match against Bangladesh, before hanging his boots. However, he quickly signed up with Essex and spent six successful county seasons there; as brother Andy was already established with the county. Following the final season in 2010, Grant returned to Zimbabwean Cricket and took up the position of their batting coach. To everyone's surprise, he also made a shocking comeback to the field when he played two ODIs against South Africa later that year. With limited success there, he turned to domestic cricket in Zimbabwe and captained Mashonaland to an inspiring Twenty20 title win in 2010-11. Finally, with a fruitful career behind him, Grant decided to dedicate himself towards full-time coaching.
ZIMBABWE
ZIMBABWE
