Harare, scene of 20 wickets for 203 runs last match, is again the scene for the fourth match between the two sides. After the last match, moods in the team's camps are vastly different. Kenya are upbeat, and the relationship between coach and team is good. Harper is praising the players, and they in turn are vocal in their support for him. Tikolo has acknowledged that the batting needs to improve in a big way from Wednesday's effort, but the moral induced by a win seemingly snatched away from Zimbabwe, is high. Zimbabwe on the other hand offer a contrasting picture. Curran their coach, is not renowned for taking a soft line with his players at the best of times, and was fuming after last match. At the post match press conference, he lit into his young players, and they probably would have received a worse spray in the dressing rooms after the game. Whether this will have the desired effect remains to be seen. A young team could possibly benefit more from encouragement than being yelled at. Take a look at this article from cricinfo for the full story on the coaches' and player's reactions to the last game.
.
If it is again a bowler's wicket in Harare today, Kenya may opt for a slightly stronger batting line up, especially as this has been noted as a target for improvement by the captain. Ouma may find himself the victim of this, as David Obuya deserves to have a second crack after top scoring last match. I would like to see Obuya return to partner his brother Kennedy opening, and Ouma drop down to 3. Tikolo, Odoyo, Mishra and Kamande are looking good in the next few slots and probably will not be disturbed. Tony Suji should then be retained at 8 in place of Ababu, who was subbed out of the game last match without taking part. It is a shame for Ababu, but Suji on Wednesday got wickets, something that has so far eluded Ababu. With the wicket likely to favour the seamers, I would also give Kalpesh Patel a much-needed run at 8. He is more than capable with the bat should he be needed, and can also swing the ball. He is the only player on tour who is yet to play, and needs to gain experience for the future. Pete Ongondo holds down his bowling spot with ease, and his continued performance will be crucial to a third Kenyan victory. I would include Luseno again as the final pick. For a quick bowler, he has so far been fairly tidy, and will be improving with each outing. He needs to get used to the arena, and start taking wickets. His selection would have one eye on the future, as he will be needed as a strike bowler against Bangladesh and Kenya's opposition in the Intercontinental Cup. Experience against Zimbabwe will be key to achieving this goal.
If it is again a bowler's wicket in Harare today, Kenya may opt for a slightly stronger batting line up, especially as this has been noted as a target for improvement by the captain. Ouma may find himself the victim of this, as David Obuya deserves to have a second crack after top scoring last match. I would like to see Obuya return to partner his brother Kennedy opening, and Ouma drop down to 3. Tikolo, Odoyo, Mishra and Kamande are looking good in the next few slots and probably will not be disturbed. Tony Suji should then be retained at 8 in place of Ababu, who was subbed out of the game last match without taking part. It is a shame for Ababu, but Suji on Wednesday got wickets, something that has so far eluded Ababu. With the wicket likely to favour the seamers, I would also give Kalpesh Patel a much-needed run at 8. He is more than capable with the bat should he be needed, and can also swing the ball. He is the only player on tour who is yet to play, and needs to gain experience for the future. Pete Ongondo holds down his bowling spot with ease, and his continued performance will be crucial to a third Kenyan victory. I would include Luseno again as the final pick. For a quick bowler, he has so far been fairly tidy, and will be improving with each outing. He needs to get used to the arena, and start taking wickets. His selection would have one eye on the future, as he will be needed as a strike bowler against Bangladesh and Kenya's opposition in the Intercontinental Cup. Experience against Zimbabwe will be key to achieving this goal.
.
Kenya seem to have established a mental superiority over the inexperienced Zimbabwe team, and this plus their team spirit should again get them over the line in this next match. We do, as Tikolo points out need to improve our batting performance. Hopefully Luseno, and Kalpesh should he get a run, will be able to chime in with some wickets in Zimbabwe's innings. I will not be able to do play by play updates for the initial stages as I will still be at work, but will be putting in my two bits from midway through the first innings. Lets hope Kenya can make it 3-1 and take the series!
Kenya seem to have established a mental superiority over the inexperienced Zimbabwe team, and this plus their team spirit should again get them over the line in this next match. We do, as Tikolo points out need to improve our batting performance. Hopefully Luseno, and Kalpesh should he get a run, will be able to chime in with some wickets in Zimbabwe's innings. I will not be able to do play by play updates for the initial stages as I will still be at work, but will be putting in my two bits from midway through the first innings. Lets hope Kenya can make it 3-1 and take the series!
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment