Finally, some respect for the Zimbabweans

It was a tough first overseas assignment since readmission for the Zimbabweans, and they had a pretty poor time of it. This was particularly disappointing given the encouraging strides they seemed to have made at home.

Much of the scorn heaped upon them is uncalled for, and the NZ media have been particularly cynical. However, Max Bania of TVNZ at least makes an effort to offer some positive words for the Zimbos,and I hope Brendon McCullum's side will look at it in a similar light. Though I wouldn't go so far as to say that the visit was "ideal preparation for the South African series", from a kiwi point of view.

Zimbabwe aren't lacking in talented players; skipper Brendan Taylor is arguably the best limited-overs batsman not to have been snapped up by an IPL side, Elton Chigumbura's the sort of guy you'd want in your corner during a scrap, and Kyle Jarvis' skills as a bowler would probably be enough for most test sides.

Bania's point about Zimbabwe having to play Bangladesh most of the time touches on a larger issue in world cricket. The top sides play each other so often they might as well be in a separate tier, and those at the bottom have to fight among themselves, and get no credit for success against teams roughly at their level.

And NZ in particular have been badly hit; since 2000, Australia, England, Sri Lanka and India have toured the country twice, and South Africa - until the upcoming visit - once. Those associated with New Zealand cricket would do well to empathise with Zimbabwe's problems, even if it means we could very soon get sick of having to play them ever so often.