Kenya Look To Improve In 2nd ODI

Thomas Odoyo summed it up perfectly when he said: "The first result was frustrating. It was not the real Kenya. We are hoping to perform better in the second."

Well today is their chance. On what will likely be a batting wicket in Kulna, the toss will no doubt play a part, and after 5 straight wins, it is about time that Habibul Bashar loses one. I feel Kenya's best chance will be to bat first, and set a defendable target. There has no doubt been some hard work done in the nets over the last two days, and hopefully timing should have improved for today's match.

It will be interesting to see what changes have been made to the line up for the match. Otieno's opening partner is still a problem. David Obuya earned some pretty harsh criticism from various sources after last match's effort, so maybe either Ouma or Mishra will get a chance to show what they can do with the position against this sort of attack. Tikolo will hopefully revert to 4. He is much more dangerous there, and is comfortable with the spot.

Surely Kalpesh Patel will get his long awaited start. We need to strengthen both our batting and bowling, and he has the potential to do both. He can hardly do worse than the players selected before him last match. I still have not heard why Collins Obuya was subbed out after only one over last match. Presumably, as he was brought on tour, he has found enough form to play. If this is so, he should be given his chance to prove it.

My line up for the second ODI:

1. Kennedy Otieno - time to perform.
2. Maurice Ouma - please, please, please show your talent and fill this spot!
3. Tanmay Mishra - should get the chance to make this place his own.
4. Steve Tikolo - needs to reassert himself with the bat.
5. Thomas Odoyo - nearly there last match: bowled well for 8 overs, and almost got it together batting. Let's hope he does today.
6. Kalpesh Patel - MUST be given a fair go!
7. Tony Suji - gave respectability to Kenya last match. Could have been used with the ball as well maybe?
8. Jimmy Kamande - his last couple of overs ruined otherwise respectable figures. Needs to keep it tight today.
9. Collins Obuya - Back in form? Let's see!
10. Martin Suji - Kenya needs him to find his miserly side again. Should open with Odoyo.
11. Peter Ongondo. Chipped in with 2 wickets last game, but again, needs to find that line and length to keep down the runs.

Sub: Hitesh Modi - Possibly could get a run instead of Ouma, but will have to post a big score if he wants to cement his place in the side.

The players to miss out: David Obuya - looked tortured last match. Needs to work on technique if he is to turn domestic success into something competitive at International level.
Alfred Luseno - for some reason, not getting it right at this level either. He has great potential so should get another go, but maybe after a bit more work.