Upgrading the grounds, what about the players

Good to see (report in today's nation) that Cricket Kenya are in the process of upgrading several grounds in Mombasa, Nairobi and Nakuru in preparation for the U19 WC next year. All well and good, when the cream of the World's upcoming cricketers come to Kenya, they will be met with good pitches and will be able to play at the top of their game. Excellent. what happens when they come up against our lads?

It is absolutely vital that CK give a proper preparation to the U19 team otherwise we are going to get absolutely demolished by the likes of Australia and India. Not least is the need for the team to play together consistently and build up their skills as a unit. No word has yet been forthcoming on whether the elite Leagues will run this year, but if so, it must be strongly considered for the U19 team to feature as an entity in itself. CK should also consider a tour to a Full member with a stint at one of their Academies (thank Ben for that idea!). Without a decent preparation, our boys will suffer big time and that will be neither fair to them nor to Kenyan cricket.

Stray Lions take 40 over title

Stray Lions upset the highly fancied Kanbis over the weekend to take the 40-overs Ashnil Hotels Cricket Trophy. Bringing together six of the top teams in Nairobi, this event is a great indication of what can be achieved when people pull in the right direction. Not only did it bring together many of the top cricketers, but also featured in both main dailies as David Obuya won a new motorbike for being named man of the series after amassing 380 runs.

Congratulations to the Stray Lions team who's star continues to rise as they rapidly confirm themselves as one of the strongest teams in Kenyan domestic cricket.

In other news, the U19s managed to defend another sub 100 score to defeat Tanzania, but then lost to Uganda. Paul Anjere impressed in both games taking 3/2 and 3/14. Our last match today is against Namibia who have so far looked like the team to beat. This has been a very poor tournament from a Kenyan perspective and perhaps the only good thing that may come from it is if it gives Cricket Kenya a kick up the backside to do something with regards to development.