His maximum boundaries off Habibul Bashar's team on their recent tour were all over the bowler's head or were still rising when they passed over mid-on, disappearing high into the stands.

Chigumbura's talents were spotted early on.

He secured a Zimbabwe Cricket Union scholarship to one of Harare's top high schools Churchill, where his skills were nurtured.

During the Under-19 Cup finals in 2004, he struck a maiden half-century off Australia in only his sixth international match; with the ball he took four wickets in a seven-wicket victory by Zimbabwe's youngsters over the mighty Aussies.

Injuries kept Chigumbura sidelined through most of 2005 but he came back to pass the 1,000 runs mark in 53 ODIs and he has an average of just over 25. He has top scored 77 twice.

In trying to model himself on Chris Cairns of New Zealand and on England's Freddie Flintoff, Chigumbura has tried to hone the art of controlled power, even though he looks so slight.

"I have always been a naturally aggressive player, though I have often been inhibited by a bad team situation," he said.

"But I try not to be just a slogger. I use technique instead to get the ball back mainly over the bowler or the off-side field.

"I used to just lash out, but I have now learned that it doesn't pay. I would get out early too often and that was bad for the team, especially as I usually bat a bit lower down."

Chigumbura hopes a strong performance at the World Cup will help him secure a county cricket deal in England.

"But I would always want to be available for Zimbabwe. I also want to develop into a good all-rounder.

"There's no doubt that we are underdogs in the West Indies but that could actually work to our advantage. I really hope that we can through the early rounds, mainly for the team but also because I might get the chance to take on the Aussies again."

Chigumbura -- his name in the local Shona language means one who can be hurt but never complains -- will celebrate his 21st birthday on March 24th during the World Cup.

Zimbabwe are in Group D in the Caribbean with hosts West Indies, Pakistan and Ireland.