Vermeulen asks board to reconsider decision

Mark Vermeulen, the Zimbabwe batsman, has asked Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) to reconsider its decision not to offer him a national contract.

"I personally went to Ozias Bvute [the ZC managing director]. He [Bvute] told me that it was not up to him, but that he would take the necessary measures," Vermeulen said. "I still want to play. I was given no reason why I was not given a contract. I think I have done my best for Zimbabwe to make at least the performance-based list. I have the highest average in first-class cricket [40.04] and have more than 4000 first-class runs."

Vermeulen blamed the composition of the selection committee for what he considered was a contentious issue. "Selection must be based on what you have done in the past and what you are capable of doing in future," he said. "You can't have selection based on any other point of view other that cricket."

Seen practising with the Zimbabwe team during the second Test against India, Vermeulen said he needed to earn a living by playing cricket. "At the moment I'm training with the Academy and practising in the gym," he said. "We have club cricket starting next week, but I need an income, and if I do not get paid playing cricket, I would have to look at something else."