Kenya Ring The Changes For Holland Match

Kenya's selectors have made three changes to the side that toured Bangladesh for the Intercontinental tie against Holland today. Out are prolific wicketkeeper batsman Kennedy Otieno after his nightmare tour of Bangladesh. He will be replaced as opener by Brijal Patel if this article on cricinfo is to be believed, and Maurice Ouma will take over duties with the gloves. Martin Suji makes way for Rajesh Bhudia, again after failing to impress on his return in Bangladesh. Finally, Jimmy Kamande is dropped in favour of young all rounder Ashish Karia.

Two of these changes do not bother me unduly. In fact I welcome the chance for Rajesh Bhudia and Ashish Karia to make their presence felt in the senior side. Both bowled well on Sunday against Holland, and while neither set the world alight, both did enough to warrant selection. With Martin Suji past his prime, Kenya desperately need to find another strike bowler. Ongondo is maturing into the role of wicket taker, but it seems he is prefered at first change. Luseno, the young speedster has been trialled opening with Odoyo, and so far has not had the desired effect. Giving Bhudia a chance simply makes sense, and shows the selectors have the future in mind as well as just this match. Similarly for Ashish Karia's inclusion into the side. He showed on Sunday that he can tie a batsman down, even when others are being punished, and has ability to take wickets as well. Kamande I think can feel a bit unlucky, as he has been far from Kenya's worst player on tour. He had an ok tour of Zimbabwe, but like many of the team did falter against Bangladesh a bit. I would say that the swaying factor between the two would be bowling.

If Kamande is unlucky, I really feel for Kennedy Otieno. Sure, he had a terrible time in Bangladesh, but he hit two half centuries against Zimbabwe on pitches much more similar to Nairobi, if Thomas Odoyo is to be believed anyhow. Replacing him with Brijal Patel seems a mystery, though again, it may be with one eye on the fact Patel can roll the arm over a bit if needed as well. comparing their statistics: Otieno has played 29 First class matches and has an average of 25, with a high score of 104. Patel has played 15 matches, has an average of 7 and a high score of 51. Should be no contest. Against Zimbabwe, Otieno scored 74,13,13 and 69. The two half centuries also came when Kenya were in trouble. Brijal Patel scored 0,2*,6,3. Most recently, Otieno has scored 6,1,1 against Bangladesh before being dropped for the fourth match. Patel who was not selected, scored 45 for Kenya 'A' against Holland. I can see why Kenya want Ouma to wicketkeep. He is only 23, so if he can be played into form, he will be with the Kenyan side for around the next 10 years or so. Patel is 29, so even if he does somehow perform as opener, it is not exactly going to be a long term choice. Otieno's experience, and potential to make big scores would I suggest have worried the Dutch far more than Brijal Patel. Still, what is done is done, so all the best to those selected. According to the Nation (see article beginning Otieno Dropped...), Otieno is now considering retirement. I would urge him to delay making that decision until at least after the World Cup.

Kenya Squad Steve Tikolo (capt), Thomas Odoyo, Maurice Ouma (wk), Brijal Patel, Hitesh Modi, Tony Suji, Tanmay Mishra, Collins Obuya, Ashish Karia, Peter Ongondo, Rajesh Bhudia, Kalpesh Patel, Alfred Luseno.

The Standard hints that the 11 to play are already decided, but if I had my way, the team to play would be as follows:

1. Maurice Ouma. If he is going to continue as wicket keeper, he will need to make some runs soon. Great to invest in the younger players, but this can only continue if they are going to produce what is required. He has the talent do do so, it is about time we saw some results.
2. Hitesh Modi. He had some experience against the new ball in Bangladesh when he had to come in at 3 after Kenya lost an early wicket. Experience, and good enough to be able to build an innings. More suited to the longer version, he could be a real force this match.
3. Tanmay Mishra. I'm sounding like a broken record, but give him a chance where his talent can reach its full potential. Also capable of a big score.
4. Steve Tikolo. Is best at 4, and will be a key player for Kenya over the next 4 days, both as batsman and with the ball. If he gets going, he can really punish the Dutch attack.
5. Collins Obuya. Purely on the strength of his last two outings against Bangladesh. He will be in the team mainly as a batsman, but might get the odd over or two as well.
6. Tony Suji. Again, a batsman more suited to this form of the game. Is also a possible bowling option if Tikolo is in need of a bit of a change.
7. Thomas Odoyo. Coming in at 7 should take the pressure off him a bit. Has been out of form with the bat since the start of the Zim tour, but will be crucial for Kenya with the ball. Here's hoping for a big haul of wickets from the all rounder.
8. Ashish Karia. Gives Tikolo the option of a spinning all rounder. If he plays, will be called upon to contain the batsmen as much as take wickets. If Kenya are serious about investing in youth, he should get a run.
9. Rajesh Bhudia, just over Kalpesh Patel. Patel had an opportunity, even if slight, in Bangladesh. He missed it, and Bhudia should now be given his turn.
10. Peter ongondo. Has taken a wicket every match he has played in this year - 18 so far. Four day cricket needs a different approach, but can only improve Ongondo as a bowler. Like odoyo, will be key to removing the Dutch top order.
11. Alfred Luseno. Again a choice with one eye on the future. Those that have seen him, and coached him rate him highly as a potential wicket taker against top quality batting line ups. He has yet to prove this, after ordinary tours in zimbabwe and Bangladesh, but the four day game, where he has to go after the wicket, rather than waiting for it to happen, could make a huge difference to him as a bowler. I don't expect him to set the game on fire, but I do expect him to learn from the experience and start to take wickets.

12th man: Kalpesh Patel.

Well, there are only a few hours to go, and we shall see if the miracle of the selectors agreeing with a hack journalist actually occurs. I'm warming up my twin engine Bush Pig right now. Chocks awaaaaaay!