No space for complacency

Kenya take on Canada today in the third match of the ICC Tri-series in Mombasa. Despite the host's massive win against Scotland to start the tournament, they must be careful to guard against complacency. On paper, form and home ground advantage, this is a match that Kenya should win. It is however a full ODI, and needs to be treated with the same attitude and concentration as any other. Kenya's more experienced players, the likes of Tikolo, Odoyo and Shah know this and need to ensure that they pass this on to the younger players. Kenya are a team beginning to find form just at the right time and should go into the match with confidence, but without arrogance. It would not do to slip up now when they can continue to exert mental pressure on their opponents before the WCL with another victory today.

.

All the above being said, from the quotes in today's Nation and Standard, it looks as though Roger Harper has instilled the right attitude in his players. It is likely that Kenya will field an unchanged line-up, after all, why change a winning team? One possible exception could be to have David Obuya keep wicket and open with Ravindu Shah; dropping Maurice Ouma to give Malhar Patel a run at one down. So far the selectors have stuck with Ouma despite a lack of runs, and it is hard to see them changing the line up that won their last game by 190 runs.

.

Canada I think do need to make a change or two. It was insane not to play Umar Bhatti alongside Osinde to open the bowling and I would expect to see them pair up again today.

.

Hopefully Mombasa residents will turn out to give the team the support they deserve. They are Kenya's top performing sports team and with two games this weekend, deserve to have a decent crowd behind them. Those that turn up will be rewarded with some really good exciting cricket.

.

As usual, for those not in Mombasa, Cricket Europe will be providing a live scorecard.