Rye have bolstered their squad ahead of the 2022 season by signing Zimbabwean test cricketer Carl Mumba. It is hoped that Mumba will help the Salts based club go one better on their 2021 performance in Sussex League division 3 after they finished 2nd To St Peters.
Mumba is a strongly built opening bowler who has been clocked at over 145km per hour (90 mph). He is also a more than capable hard-hitting middle order batsman. He has played three test matches and seven one-day internationals for Zimbabwe, with 10 wickets at an average of just over 35 in the longest format. His last appearance on the international stage was in November 2020.
He currently plays first class cricket for Mid-West Rhinos and is proving to be a consistent performer for his franchise side. At the time of writing he has taken 126 first class wickets at an impressive average of 23.91. In List A cricket he has taken 59 wickets at 27.15. A more than capable batsman, he has a first class fifty to his name and in his last stint overseas he scored over 500 league runs. By his own admission he likes to hit a big ball, so it is hoped that he can make a good contribution in the latter part of the innings alongside his new ball duties.
It is also hoped that he can add significant value off the field. As part of his responsibilities he will be coaching the ever-growing number of boys and girls who are taking advantage of the coaching sessions that the club run on Friday evenings, All Stars and Cricket Dynamos, and on Tuesday nights with the Under 11/13 /15 league teams throughout the summer. Carl will be working with the regular coaches, helping to bring on the next generation of Rye cricketers. To have a player of his experience working with the junior section is a huge coup for the club.
Carl will be available for both pre-season friendlies against Cowdery C.C. (H) and Ashford C.C. (A), as well as the T20 first round at Glynde C.C. on April 30 before the league campaign starts on the May 7.
Image Credits: Carl Mumba .