Paul Strang

A talented all-rounder, Paul Strang was easily one of the finest cricketers to have ever played for the Zimbabwean cricket team. He was a vital cog in the side and played alongside younger brother, Bryan. His father, Ronald Strang was a TV umpire.

A legbreak googly bowler, Paul was a top-class bowler and an excellent fielder in the covers. He was an equally adept batsman, scoring those much needed runs to get his side out of trouble. He debuted in Test cricket in 1994 against Sri Lanka and made his ODI debut a few months later. Paul scored his only Test century while playing against Pakistan in 1996-97. Perhaps, the biggest highlight of his career would be a match double – a century and five wickets in a Test innings. Paul even recorded the then best bowling figures for Zimbabwe in Tests, when he bagged 8 for 109 against New Zealand in 2000-01. However, a muscular injury to the bowling hand meant that his international career came to a halt. He then played for Kent and Nottinghamshire, eventually moving to New Zealand where he was appointed coach of the Auckland Aces.