Stuart Matsikenyeri      

A talented batsman but a modest, hardworking character, Stuart Matsikenyeri is the third of three school friends from Churchill Boys High School, Harare to represent Zimbabwe in international cricket. His debut came as an opening batsman against Pakistan at Bulawayo in November 2002. He played one match in the 2003 World Cup, and played in the NatWest Series in England later that year, scoring a vital 44 at Trent Bridge in a four-wicket win. Matsikenyeri is also a useful part-time offspinner, and learned his cricket in the black township of Highfield on the outskirts of Harare. He has represented Zimbabwe at U-16 and U-19 levels, and has also played club cricket in Australia - a vital step in his development.

A talented batsman but a modest, hardworking character, Stuart Matsikenyeri is the third of three school friends from Churchill Boys High School, Harare to represent Zimbabwe in international cricket. His debut came as an opening batsman against Pakistan at Bulawayo in November 2002. He played one match in the 2003 World Cup, and played in the NatWest Series in England later that year, scoring a vital 44 at Trent Bridge in a four-wicket win. Matsikenyeri is also a useful part-time offspinner, and learned his cricket in the black township of Highfield on the outskirts of Harare. He has represented Zimbabwe at U-16 and U-19 levels, and has also played club cricket in Australia - a vital step in his development.

But he has failed to really push on after the early promise and has struggled against high quality pace bowling, despite being strong on the cut and pull. He is an impressive fielder in a variety of positions but is generally used in the gully area.

In 2006 he declined to sign a new contract with the board, but, like several others, subsequently returned to the fold as the lure of a World Cup outings grew closer.
Andrew Miller September 2006