David Obuya has given the Kenyan selectors plenty to think about after the squad's recent practice match played over 3 days that ended yesterday. Playing for an XI lead by Collins Obuya vs a Maurice Ouma skippered XI, he contributed 132 in the first innings, the only century of the match and added a further 70 odd runs in the second.
In a game that ended in a draw, the pitch seemed to favour the batsmen with most bowlers only picking up one or two wickets each. Of the bowlers, Peter Ongondo was reported to be the most incisive, while several batsmen spent quality time in the middle.
Other than David Obuya, others who found good touch were Jimmy Kamande (70* in the first innings), Kennedy Otieno 67* in the second innings, youngster Peter Kituku who made a half century and both Collins Obuya and Steve Tikolo who chipped in with quickfire 30s and 40s in the second innings.
Thanks to those players who took up valuable time to send the results, we will update as we hear more.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Five Shortlisted for Captaincy
Also according to cricinfo's source close to the selection process, the search for Kenya's next captain has been narrowed to 5 with the decision expected to be made within the week after each candidate has had an interview with the selection panel.
There are no real surprises in the five names put forward. All are seen as key players for the current team and all have a decent level of experience to draw on. In alphabetical order of first name, they are:
Collins Obuya (27), Hiren Varaiya (25), Jimmy Kamande (30), Maurice Ouma (26) and Thomas Odoyo (31).
When Steve Tikolo announced his retirement, I ran a post having a look at some of the candidates I thought might make it. for those that missed it here are my thoughts on the final 5 in the order I think most likely to be given the duty:
1. Thomas Odoyo. As both the longest continuing servant of Kenyan cricket after Tikolo and the team's current Vice Captain, Odoyo has to be the favourite to take over the mantle. In his favour are his experience, his ability to lead from the front with both bat and ball and his natural leadership ability. There has been a recent problem with injuries however and the load of captaincy on top of his other duties may be considered too great - there are not many genuine all rounders who have also made great captains. Despite this and the recent slump in form, he is still the most likely to succeed Tikolo. At 31 probably still has about 4 years of service left and will certainly still be there for the World Cup.
2. Jimmy Kamande. Also an all rounder, Kamande is less of a key player than Odoyo, so the strain would be less. He has experience of captaincy at both club and Elite League and has a tendency to show a more attacking streak that Tikolo does. At 30, he has probably about the same time left as Odoyo, but is less beset by injuries and has really grown as a player in the last 12 months during which he has often been the player standing up to save the team. If not selected as Captain, would probably make a very good understudy and will probably be needed as such if Odoyo is made captain and misses games due to injury.
3. Collins Obuya. After Tikolo, perhaps the most sensible of Kenya's batsmen in recent times and at 27 looks to have more time left in the game than the 2 previous possibles. Like Kamande a great fielder and will set a good example in both innings. One of the other players who is really showing consistent signs of improvement at the moment. His biggest asset though would probably be his age and the fact that having burst onto the scene in the 2003 World Cup, he will know how do deal with the media and pressures that come with the profile.
4. Hiren Varaiya. Of all the bowlers, it has been said that spinners are most likely to make the best captains as they rely on intellect and guile to get their opponents out. Varaiya is certainly a quality spinner and has an understanding of the game that could see him develop into a fine captain. Unlike the other candidates however, he is not a key figure with the bat and in a time when Kenya desperately needs someone to lead from the front in this department, it may be a case of the wrong timing. If not chosen as Captain, would certainly make a fine understudy as he has the determination and toughness that is needed in a leadership role. As the youngest of the candidates, he may yet get his opportunity if he misses out this time round.
5. Maurice Ouma. For my mind the dark horse of the 5, despite being of an age that would be perfect. As his nickname (Pagal) suggests, Ouma's great talent has at times in the past been undone by a reckless streak. In the field, he is tidy behind the stumps and like all wicket keepers possesses not only a good understanding of what is going on around him, but would be in the perfect position to asses how each bowler is faring on a ball by ball basis. With the bat, there are still too many starts that are not carried into big figures and his propensity to be involved in runouts hints at a lack of communication. The above being said, he is held in high regard by his fellow players and this could be the responsibility that turns a good player into a great one.
The above is just my opinion. There is a poll on the right for you to let us know who you think should lead Kenya to the next World Cup and beyond and you can always have your say on our discussion page on facebook.
There are no real surprises in the five names put forward. All are seen as key players for the current team and all have a decent level of experience to draw on. In alphabetical order of first name, they are:
Collins Obuya (27), Hiren Varaiya (25), Jimmy Kamande (30), Maurice Ouma (26) and Thomas Odoyo (31).
When Steve Tikolo announced his retirement, I ran a post having a look at some of the candidates I thought might make it. for those that missed it here are my thoughts on the final 5 in the order I think most likely to be given the duty:
1. Thomas Odoyo. As both the longest continuing servant of Kenyan cricket after Tikolo and the team's current Vice Captain, Odoyo has to be the favourite to take over the mantle. In his favour are his experience, his ability to lead from the front with both bat and ball and his natural leadership ability. There has been a recent problem with injuries however and the load of captaincy on top of his other duties may be considered too great - there are not many genuine all rounders who have also made great captains. Despite this and the recent slump in form, he is still the most likely to succeed Tikolo. At 31 probably still has about 4 years of service left and will certainly still be there for the World Cup.
2. Jimmy Kamande. Also an all rounder, Kamande is less of a key player than Odoyo, so the strain would be less. He has experience of captaincy at both club and Elite League and has a tendency to show a more attacking streak that Tikolo does. At 30, he has probably about the same time left as Odoyo, but is less beset by injuries and has really grown as a player in the last 12 months during which he has often been the player standing up to save the team. If not selected as Captain, would probably make a very good understudy and will probably be needed as such if Odoyo is made captain and misses games due to injury.
3. Collins Obuya. After Tikolo, perhaps the most sensible of Kenya's batsmen in recent times and at 27 looks to have more time left in the game than the 2 previous possibles. Like Kamande a great fielder and will set a good example in both innings. One of the other players who is really showing consistent signs of improvement at the moment. His biggest asset though would probably be his age and the fact that having burst onto the scene in the 2003 World Cup, he will know how do deal with the media and pressures that come with the profile.
4. Hiren Varaiya. Of all the bowlers, it has been said that spinners are most likely to make the best captains as they rely on intellect and guile to get their opponents out. Varaiya is certainly a quality spinner and has an understanding of the game that could see him develop into a fine captain. Unlike the other candidates however, he is not a key figure with the bat and in a time when Kenya desperately needs someone to lead from the front in this department, it may be a case of the wrong timing. If not chosen as Captain, would certainly make a fine understudy as he has the determination and toughness that is needed in a leadership role. As the youngest of the candidates, he may yet get his opportunity if he misses out this time round.
5. Maurice Ouma. For my mind the dark horse of the 5, despite being of an age that would be perfect. As his nickname (Pagal) suggests, Ouma's great talent has at times in the past been undone by a reckless streak. In the field, he is tidy behind the stumps and like all wicket keepers possesses not only a good understanding of what is going on around him, but would be in the perfect position to asses how each bowler is faring on a ball by ball basis. With the bat, there are still too many starts that are not carried into big figures and his propensity to be involved in runouts hints at a lack of communication. The above being said, he is held in high regard by his fellow players and this could be the responsibility that turns a good player into a great one.
The above is just my opinion. There is a poll on the right for you to let us know who you think should lead Kenya to the next World Cup and beyond and you can always have your say on our discussion page on facebook.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Or is it?
According to the latest article on cricinfo, the search for Kenya's next coach is more than just a two horse race. No new names are however mentioned, so we are still having to wait to see who it will be. The article does indicate that Andy Kirsten will continue as coach for the Ireland tour and that his contract will then finish at the end of July.
As there has yet been no official word from Cricket Kenya on anything to do with the selction process, so all is still pretty much conjecture at this stage. Does today's article mean that CK will not be choosing either Sandhu or Butcher? Or does it simply mean they are holding their options open for as long as possible before making a decision. If it is the latter, then perhaps the fans and players could be forgiven for wondering why it has already been this late given that Kenya's first match into the new Intercontinental Cup is only a couple of weeks away. Given the last result the team had under Kirsten in Europe, this is a fair question as he will again be at the reins for this trip.
Whatever the Cricket Kenya decision, it would be best it were made sooner rather than later. Already ground has been lost preparing for the 2011 World Cup and we are close to missing the boat in terms of bettering our 3rd place in the Intercontinental Cup.
As there has yet been no official word from Cricket Kenya on anything to do with the selction process, so all is still pretty much conjecture at this stage. Does today's article mean that CK will not be choosing either Sandhu or Butcher? Or does it simply mean they are holding their options open for as long as possible before making a decision. If it is the latter, then perhaps the fans and players could be forgiven for wondering why it has already been this late given that Kenya's first match into the new Intercontinental Cup is only a couple of weeks away. Given the last result the team had under Kirsten in Europe, this is a fair question as he will again be at the reins for this trip.
Whatever the Cricket Kenya decision, it would be best it were made sooner rather than later. Already ground has been lost preparing for the 2011 World Cup and we are close to missing the boat in terms of bettering our 3rd place in the Intercontinental Cup.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Down to 2?
Well the inside information is that the new coaching position is between Balwinder Sandhu and Allan Butcher
Of the two, Sandhu has the most experience playing at the top level and will always be remembered for "that ball" in the 1983 world Cup finals that removed Gordon Greenidge's off stump. His coaching credentials however are more of a mystery.
Butcher, father of Mark, has less experience at the top level having only played one Test and one ODI. He does however have more coaching experience having coached since 1992, though losing his position at Surrey in 2008 due to them failing to win a game under his stewardship hardly inspires confidence.
No word yet as to who the new Captain will be.
Have a view on this, or know something we haven't heard? Visit our facebook discussion on this topic and let us know!
Of the two, Sandhu has the most experience playing at the top level and will always be remembered for "that ball" in the 1983 world Cup finals that removed Gordon Greenidge's off stump. His coaching credentials however are more of a mystery.
Butcher, father of Mark, has less experience at the top level having only played one Test and one ODI. He does however have more coaching experience having coached since 1992, though losing his position at Surrey in 2008 due to them failing to win a game under his stewardship hardly inspires confidence.
No word yet as to who the new Captain will be.
Have a view on this, or know something we haven't heard? Visit our facebook discussion on this topic and let us know!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Waters continues allround form.
Seren Waters has continued his good allround form for the Weybridge Cricket Club on the weekend in his teams 7 wicket victory over Banstead Cricket Club in the Premier Division of the Surrey Championship.
Bowling first, Weybridge dismissed Banstead for 158 with Waters taking 3/11 off 3 overs to clean up the tail.
Weybridge had little trouble chasing down the target with 7 wickets in hand. Waters and fellow Kenyan Abeed Janmohamed opened together and put on a partnership of 77 before Janmohamed fell for a solid 44 including 7 fours and 1 six. Waters eventually fell for 65 which included 10 boundaries, with Weybridge just 20 short of the required target. Weybridge's 2nd and 3rd drop batsmen had little trouble polishing off the remaining 20 runs for the victory.
Also on the weekend, James Clegg smacked a huge 149 for Fairburn Cricket Club. His innings included 20 boundaries, and he also cleared the boundary 4 times.
Bowling first, Weybridge dismissed Banstead for 158 with Waters taking 3/11 off 3 overs to clean up the tail.
Weybridge had little trouble chasing down the target with 7 wickets in hand. Waters and fellow Kenyan Abeed Janmohamed opened together and put on a partnership of 77 before Janmohamed fell for a solid 44 including 7 fours and 1 six. Waters eventually fell for 65 which included 10 boundaries, with Weybridge just 20 short of the required target. Weybridge's 2nd and 3rd drop batsmen had little trouble polishing off the remaining 20 runs for the victory.
Also on the weekend, James Clegg smacked a huge 149 for Fairburn Cricket Club. His innings included 20 boundaries, and he also cleared the boundary 4 times.
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