Encouraging signs

Zimbabwe completed its World Cup campaign with a 161 run win over Kenya, sharing runs and wickets around the whole team. Things went pretty much as expected through the tournament for Zimbabwe - wins over Canada and Kenya, losses to the power teams. But the really encouraging sign is the composition of the team. For the first time, Zimbabwe has a genuinely integrated team now. Years ago, cricket was an all white sport, which spread only very slowly. Henry Olonga was very much worth his place in an otherwise white eleven, but many of those who came after him were simply thrown in when not ready to equalize numbers. That served both players and team poorly. Now, however, we see a cricket establishment which has somehow separated itself from the government, and given the game broad appeal to all Zimbabweans. Maybe there is a glimmer of hope there after all - can the country follow this example?