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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
DAVIS Cup tennis team captain Martin Dzuwa has described the withdrawal of Zimbabwe’s number two player Benjamin Lock as an unfortunate development for the side to face Finland early next month in the Europe/Africa Zone Group II.

Finland are hosting the tie set for March 4 to 6.

Dzuwa last month said they were not expecting major changes to the team that fought to remain in Group II last year.

The team was made up of Takanyi Garanganga, the lock brothers Benjamin and Courtney; and Mark Fynn.

However, they now have to do without Benjamin, who pulled out due to college commitments with just three weeks to go before the tie against Finland.

Yesterday, Dzuwa conceded that the withdrawal of Benjamin was unfortunate as he was one of the top players in the team but noted they still had other options.

“Yes, it’s a downfall in a way because he was the number two player for the country but we still have Mark and Courtney. And we are still looking for a replacement.

“There is Tino Chanakira and Mbonisi Ndimande, then we have two juniors. We just have to do with what we have.

“It’s a late withdrawal though because these guys have commitments but he (Benjamin) really wanted to play and it’s a disappointment for him. It’s unfortunate he had to pull out but we will see how it goes.

“For Davis Cup, yes, you need four players but two or three can still play. It changes if someone has pulled out but it doesn’t change the picture that was behind,” said Dzuwa.