Tugga may have lost the toss but I think we have certainly won the first day of this historic Test match in Harare. Never before have our two countries met in this form of the game. Although we never need any motivation to play in the baggy green cap, this factor acted as an extra incentive for us to fire on all cylinders when we took the field this morning. The spirit in the changing room before the game has been very upbeat. The arrival of AB as the stand-in coach has helped pick up the spirits as his new ideas and thoughts on the game have spurred the team.

Since losing the first test in Sri Lanka we have all worked hard on getting back to our best cricket. Today our fast bowlers stuck to the team's game plan of "patience, partnerships and pressure" as they put us into a position of strength at stumps. Led by Pigeon, Flemo and Colin Miller, the boys bowled immaculately all day on a pitch resembling a good WACA surface. Their combined efforts with Warney have set us up take away any hope Zimbabwe had of causing the good guys any early troubles.

Sadly, Matty Hayden and Stuie MacGill flew home this afternoon so they can play in the upcoming shield game for their respective States. It was disappointing to see them leave the touring party although we can understand that it is important they play some cricket before the Aussie summer gets under way. In a positive move by the ACB and Australian selectors both guys will now have the opportunity to play cricket rather than sit on the bench like they have for the majority of this tour. Having been in both of their shoes before I know how frustrating it can be to be on tour without playing but they have both done themselves proud.