Zimbabwean international Tarisai Musakanda to line up for New City

The Zimbabwean international will finally get that opportunity, having signed as an import for New City in Cricket Albury-Wodonga's Provincial competition.

Musakanda, 24, has represented his country on 21 occasions (15 one day internationals and six T20 internationals) and hopes he can share some of his experience with the young Phoenix squad.

New City will be led by the league's youngest skipper in 21-year-old Zac Barrenechea, with 17-year-old Aaron Green vice-captain.

Musakanda arrived on the Border on Thursday afternoon and will line up in the top order for New City in this weekend's T20 clashes against North Albury and St Patrick's.

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"Every time I've wanted to come over here, there was a national duty or I just missed out," Musakanda said.

"A friend in England did some research on the club and connected me to come over.

"From my side of things it's mainly about making friendships, enjoying the game and making sure I impart a bit of knowledge that I've got to most of the guys in the team.

"We've got a lot of junior guys which is really good and it's all about me sharing information.

"When it comes to my game, I obviously want to do well for the club."

Musakanda's international debut came against Sri Lanka in 2016, but he's found himself out of the Zimbabwe squad in recent months.

But he believes the standalone one-day and T20 format adopted CAW last season will suit him.

"I play a lot of white ball stuff, but the longer formats are always good in terms of your technique and finding yourself out, especially staying longer periods at the crease," he said.

Musakanda will bat at number three and may be thrown the ball on the odd occasion.

"I used to be an all-rounder at one point, then I got injured," he said.

"With the type of bowlers we have, I'll come on here and there, but I'm mainly a batter and my job is to bat."

With the exception of an international call-up, Musakanda will spend the entire season with New City.

The opening round of the T20 competition sees New City host North Albury, Albury takes on Belvoir, Wodonga Raiders face Wodonga, East Albury meet Tallangatta, while Lavington clashes with St Patrick's.