Peter Moor

When you think of successful wicket-keepers from Zimbabwe, Andy Flower, Tatenda Taibu and Brendan Taylor are some of the names that crop up in one's mind. After Taylor took up the Kolpak route and bid adieu to Zimbabwe cricket, there was a huge void left to be filled. Peter Moor emerged as the best long-term prospect for Zimbabwe in all three formats.

Born in Harare, Moor had cricket in his genes and took up a natural liking to the sport at a tender age of five. Educated at St John’s, he recorded the highest individual score for his college; striking an unbeaten 214. Having worked his way through all age groups, he represented the country in two U-19 World Cups (2008 and 2010).

He made his first-class debut for Midlands Rhinos and his impressive numbers earned him a call-up to the national side. Moor made his ODI debut against Bangladesh in 2014. Not many gave a whiff of him playing the longest format because of his aggressive stroke play, but he defied all odds and broke all barriers with a stellar 2015-16 domestic season.

With a slot opening up in the Test squad, Moor was one among the many options. Already a regular in the ODI line-up, he made his Test debut against New Zealand in 2016. Although they lost the match, Moor's fighting 71 in the first innings was the silver lining. In July 2017, he was part of Zimbabwe's ODI team in their historic series triumph against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka.

Interesting fact: Virender Sehwag and Steve Waugh are his cricketing idols.

By Sriram AS