Panyangara expelled for indiscipline

Tinashe Panyangara has been removed from Zimbabwe's squad for their tri-series, for allegedly sharing a video of Mitchell Johnson bowling during the Ashes with team-mates via their group Whatsapp chat. Panyangara was also fined US$1,000 for the alleged offence, with a ZC spokesman confirming that the bowler's "indiscipline" meant he would play no further part in the remaining games.

While ZC's official statement made no mention of the specific reason for Panyangara's removal, Zimbabwe's team disciplinary committee found Panyangara's actions to he be "disruptive in the build-up to the first ODI of the triangular series," which they lost by 198 runs. Johnson took one wicket but conceded only seven runs in six overs, making frequent use of his bouncer and beating Zimbabwe's batsmen for pace on several occasions.

The video is a highlights package of Johnson's short-pitched barrage against England. The sharing of such a video might be brushed off as a bit of bantering among team-mates, albeit with a gallows humour element to it. The humourless response from Zimbabwe's coach and team management, however, means the team will be without their most experienced seamer. With 34 one-day caps, Panyangara has played more than double the number of ODIs as Shingi Masakadza, the next most experienced specialist seamer.

Panyangara's isn't the only alleged breach of team rules in recent times. Luke Jongwe, the 19-year-old allrounder, was fined his entire match fee from his debut one-day international against South Africa in Bulawayo after allegedly breaking team curfew after that match. Sources close to the team suggested that coach Steve Mangongo wanted Jongwe removed from the squad, but the captain Elton Chigumbura successfully argued the young player's case.

Panyangara will be allowed to train with Zimbabwe A as they prepare for their tour of Bangladesh next month. The response to his alleged infraction is in keeping with the coaching department's disciplinarian approach in recent times. The Zimbabwe squad have a 9.30pm curfew when they are in camp, and aren't allowed any alcohol or female visitors to the team residence at any hour.