Naming Of Squad Delayed

Kenya's squad to tour Bangladesh, due to be chosen on Wednesday, is still being kept secret. Chairman of Selectors, David Waters said yesterday that the squad would not be officially named until the players concerned had been contacted. I have no problems with this, but I hope the players were aware, and it was not one of the reasons for yesterday's madness.

In terms of the make up of the squad, the general feel is that the majority of those taken to Zimbabwe will be retained, excepting those with injuries. Two players who missed out on travelling to Zimbabwe, Martin Suji, and Hitesh Modi are however likely to make their way back into the side. Suji is said to have fully recovered from his injury, and will give extra strength to Kenya's bowling attack. If Odoyo and Ongondo can maintain their form from the last tour, this will mean Kenya will have a much stronger bowling attack than in Zimbabwe. Two of the seamers who travelled, Josephat Ababu (back), and Alfred Luseno (groin) are currently injured so will be rested, while Lameck Onyango's ankle is still not strong enough to allow him to play. This does mean that Kenya are short a seamer. Nehemiah Odhiambo may retain his place, and be given a longer run, or the other young all rounder, Kalpesh Patel could get his debut - it is certainly due. Rageb Aga would be another possibility.

Modi's return will give Kenya an experienced left hander in the batting line-up, and will probably be at the expense of Brijal Patel. No news yet on Ravindu Shah's recovery. Assuming 14 players will be selected, as was the case for Zimbabwe, my guess would be the following to travel on Monday:

Steve Tikolo (Cpt). Batsman, Bowls RA Off spin.

Thomas Odoyo (VC). All rounder. Opening Bowler - RA med-fast.

Kennedy Otieno (wkt). Opening Batsman.

Martin Suji. Opening Bowler - RA med-fast.

Tanmay Mishra. Batsman.

Hitesh Modi. Batsman.

Peter Ongondo. Bowler RA fast-medium (first change).

Jimmy Kamande. All rounder. Bowls RA off-breaks.

Nehemiah Odhiambo (Ngoche). Bowler - RA med-fast.

Kalpesh Patel. All rounder. Bowls RA medium.

Tony Suji. Batting All rounder. Bowls RA medium.

Amit Bhudia. Batsman

Maurice Ouma/David Obuya. Batsman/reserve wkt kpr.

Collins Obuya/Mohamed Sheikh/Rashmi Ghami in that order depending on Obuya's form, and Sheikh's availability. We need at least one genuine spinner.

This would leave Kenya with 10 batting options, 6 seamers, 3 spinners and 2 wicket keepers. This takes into account both aspects of the all rounders of course. I have no doubts the selectors will spring a surprise or three, but it could and should be a fairly balanced squad.