Waters out ...Aga in

Seren Waters makes way for Rageb Aga in the only change as Cricket Kenya name the squad to take on Zimbabwe in both the Intercontinental Cup and the series of ODIs to follow.

Given that Waters (pictured in action against Ireland earlier this year) has been in form for Surrey seconds and has recently signed an emerging players contract it is both interesting and worrying that he has been left out or opted to be left out. We are currently awaiting confirmation of the reason for his exclusion from Cricket Kenya. Hopefully he will be playing for Kenya again in the near future as he is too good a talent to be allowed to get away. Edit 4/10/09 - Cricket Kenya has confirmed that Seren's first week of University coincides with the Zimbabwe tour and he is required to attend for registration purposes. It is hoped he will be available for future tours once he has settled in. ND

Aga's inclusion is also interesting in that it means that both Darshit Shah and Runish Gudkha miss out despite their recent good showing in the practice matches. Though admittedly figures can sometimes flatter, they looked to be in with a chance and can consider themselves unlucky not tomake the cut. Aga has however been among the wickets since returning from injury and, like Waters, is too good a player for Kenya to lose. It is good to see him return to the fold.

Rakep Patel also keeps his place in the side, perhaps on the back of a timely century yesterday. One of the incumbent squad who had previously not stood up to expectation in the practice games so far, he has kept alive the promise of great things to come. If 2008 was the year the Obanda made a name for himself at an international level, this may well be Patel's year. Considering that he missed the Canada series due to the untimely loss of his father, it is nice that he gets a chance again vs Zimbabwe. So far he has been given only slivers of opportunity, perhaps this tour he will be given enough to prove his worth.

Without Waters in the team, it looks like Maurice Ouma will return to his opening role opening the batting with David Obuya at the other end. Tikolo in his preferred 4 and Ongondo and Varaiya as the main bowlers are the only other obvious starting choices.

3 has been Obanda's preferred spot since coming into the team, but he could face competition from both Patel and Collins Obuya who will also look to contest 5,6 and 7 with Jimmy Kamande and Thomas Odoyo, should he be fit enough to bowl. If he is not, he may be a high profile omission, especially with Nehemiah Odhiambo threatening to move up from the number 8 slot as he continues his exponential improvement as an all-rounder. If Odoyo is fully fit, expect him also to contend for the 7th or 8th position as well as opening the bowling with Ongondo.

Should Odoyo not be fit to bowl his place must be sacrificed and this leaves the door open for Aga to step in, though Luseno, Onyango and Elijah Otieno will also no doubt get a run at some point. Luseno with his extra pace may even be favourite for the Intercontinental Cup rather than the ODIs where he could prove expensive.

I have been asked to give my opinion on the final starting XI and assuming Odoyo is fit to bowl, I would guess for the Intercontinental Cup it will be:
Ouma, D Obuya, Patel, Tikolo, C Obuya, Kamande, Odoyo, Odhiambo, Aga, Ongondo, Varaiya with Obanda as 12th man.

Full Squad:

1. Ragheb Gul Aga

2. Thomas Odoyo Migai

3. Peter Jimmy Carter Ongondo

4. Hiren Ashok Varaiya

5. Nehemiah Odhiambo Ngoche

6. Lameck Onyango Ngoche

7. Collins Omondi Obuya

8. Alfred Luseno

9. Morris Ouma Amolo (Captain)

10. James Kabatha Kamande (Vice Captain)

11. Alex Obanda Auma

12. Rakep Rajendrabhai Patel

13. Elijah Otieno Asoyo

14. David Oluoch Obuya

15. Steve Ogonji Tikolo

The technical personnel consist of the following:

• Eldine Baptiste (National Coach)
• Martin Suji (Assistant Coach)
• Macdonald Suji (Team Manager)
• Thota Sreenivas (Match Analyst)
• Wycliffe Agola (Team Physiotherapist)
• Joseph Asichi (Fitness Trainer)

Eldine Baptiste Q&A

A new feature on Kenya Cricket.com will be a monthly interview with a player or official connected to Kenyan Cricket. Please note that due to distance constraints most interviews will take place via email so some questions may seem abrupt. We hope you enjoy the new feature and find the information of interest none-the-less.

It is fitting that as a new national coach has just been appointed, our first interview is with Eldine Baptiste (pictured during his time at Eastern Province in south Africa). We would like to thank him for taking the time to answer some questions on his plans for the future.

What are your three main priorities as national coach?

1) Work together with the management and its shareholders and players and other entities.
ii) To form an alliance of discipline and respect the players.
iii) Getting to know each players weakness and strength and once the areas have been identified we will work to improve and eliminate any negatives shades

What are your short term goals as coach and what are your long term goals?

Short term goals.
Need to get a squad that will be able to compete in all competitions.

Long term goals.
To prepare our selves from now to 2011.

When Kenya were interviewing for the position they stated that one of the candidates had extensive plans on how to develop and progress the game in Kenya. Were you that candidate and if so can you give us an insight into those plans?

I’ m not that candidate.

Do you have plans for a more active role for the Kenya A team to help bridge the gap between the domestic game and the national side?

The only involvement will be to watch the local league and look for young talents.
The league structure should have a good development program and needs to have teams to have balance strength Vs strength.

From what you have seen of the Kenyan team in the past, where do you think you will be able to make the biggest impact and where do you think you will be able to make the quickest impact?

The biggest is to make players be professionals on all the disciplines and work on technical skills
.
Quickest impact is to make the players understand the basics of the game.

What is your biggest concern with your new position?

The concern is to improve on the one day game performance.

All Kenya’s current national squared, with the exception of UK based Seren Waters, are from Nairobi. Do you envisage this as something that may change during your tenure?

I intend to spread the game beyond Nairobi.

There are only a few weeks before your first match in charge of the Kenya team. How do you plane to use this short time to make Kenya competitive against a strengthening Zimbabwe side?

Do our basics well and execute our game plane.

How do you envisage your role as national coach tying in with development of Kenya cricket at junior and grass roots level?

To coach the coaches who are to handling development in to get to produce better players.

How much say will you have in selection of both the national squad and of the playing xi?

Yes I will always have say in the final selection.

Does your ‘no sacred cows’ quote the Standard mean that we may see some new faces in the national team?

There will be opportunities for better players to be in the side. If they are good enough players, they will always be given advice.

Given the politics that have plagued Kenyan cricket in recent years, how have you prepared your self for this and how to plan to deal with the different factions you will come across?

Politics I leave for politicians and I only deal with cricket issues and control what I can, I will let those who can deal with it deals with it.

Again, our thanks to Eldine for taking the time to share his thoughts. If there is a player or official you would like to see featured in future interviews, please let us know either via email or through our facebook page.

Hotly contested practice matches create headache for selectors

Perhaps it is not surprising that with one of the most competitive NPCA seasons for years, the recent Kenya squad practice matches have also created a real headache for the selectors and not a few of the incumbent team. Coupled with some of the performances in the league, the practice matches have thrown several new names into consideration for call ups, especially after Eldine Baptiste stated that there are no sacred cows in the team.

So far there have been two practice limited over games and two three-day games. Interestingly it is with the bat that most of the incumbents look safest with most underlining their credentials with centuries and half centuries. Considering that this has been Kenya’s persistent weak spot, this is heartening, even if the pitches were good tracks to bat on. In the bowling department however, all bets are off as a number of players have turned in performances to give them hope of selection while others have struggled to live up to reputation.

What is also interesting is that it is possible that the Intercontinental Cup squad will for the first time possibly contain different personnel to the ODI squad. How funds will affect this is yet to be seen, but there are certainly grounds for considering some variations for the different formats.

To the ODI matches first.

So far the standout player has been the veteran Steve Tikolo. He averaged 97 for the two games scoring 93 in his first game and 101 in the second. David Obuya hit the next highest number of runs, though it was his unbeaten 154 in the second game that made up for a disappointing 9 in the first. Both Nehemiah Odhiambo and Collins Obuya also scored centuries in the first game to bolster their chances of selection, though both failed to make double figures in the second game.

Alex Obanda (46 & 27) and Kenya skipper Maurice Ouma (23 & 42) both got starts and then failed to convert them while Rakep Patel (39 & 14); Thomas Odoyo (11 & 34) and Jimmy Kamande (30 & 8) will all feel they could have done better. Assuming that Seren Waters will be available, and given his recent form a near certainty for selection, this would give a batting line up of:
Waters, D Obuya, Obanda, Tikolo, Ouma, C Obuya. Neh Odhiambo

Then it becomes interesting. Odoyo and Kamande seem to be vying for an all-rounder spot, especially as Nehemiah Odhiambo returned figures of 9-1-43-2 in game 2 to underline his claim to being Kenya’s new number one all-rounder. His first game figures (7-0-53-0) were not nearly as impressive, but perhaps can be forgiven on the back of his century. Odoyo was impressive in the first game, though failed to pick up wickets (8-1-33-0) and was unable to bowl in game 2. Kamande was miserly in both and certainly did himself no damage with his efforts (9-2-36-1 and 7-0-31-1).

Leaving the all-rounder positions aside, choosing four stand-out bowlers will also be tricky. Several bowlers picked up wickets in both games, but were expensive in doing so: Nelson Odhiambo (4-0-23-2 and 4-0-24-1) is threatening to break into the team, but will need to tighten up if he is to be a genuine ODI bowler for Kenya. Alfred Luseno also took wickets, but again needs to concede fewer runs (8-0-64-2 and 9-0-51-2). Peter Ongondo as always can build pressure but looked a little off his best (8-1-55-1 and 5-0-40-1). Hiren Varaiya was aside from Kamande the only player who went for less than 6 an over in both games (9-0-43-1 and 9-0-53-0). Other than the established players, there were two new faces that stepped up to both take 3 wickets in an innings. Runish Gudkha finished with 5-0-35-3 in game 1 including the wickets of Collins Obuya, Steve Tikolo and Nelson Odhiambo. He did not play in game 2, but has certainly put forward his name for further consideration. Darshit Shah, a regular performer in the NPCA competition also only played one game taking 3/33 off 7 overs in game 2 again an effort that must also bring him into consideration.

Given their experience, it would be unthinkable to leave out both Odoyo and Ongondo and on current fitness, it would look like the latter would get the nod. If both Gudkha and Shah do both get a call up, then the 14 man ODI squad may look something like this:

Waters, D Obuya, Obanda, Tikolo, M Ouma, C Obuya, Neh Odhiambo, Kamande, Ongondo, Varaiya, Shah, Gudkha, Odoyo, Luseno with the batting line up staying fairly solid and the bowlers rotating.

Other bowlers missing out would be Elijah Otieno (6-0-45-0 and 8-1-65-1), Lameck Onyango (9-0-54-2 and 6-0-65-0) and James Ngoche (5.4-0-45-0 and 6-0-36-0). The only other batsmen missing out would be Peter Kituku (0 & 23).

In the 3-day games, it was again Tikolo who stood out as the pick of the batting scoring 253 runs at an average of 84.3 in his 4 innings including one century. Maurice Ouma showed his improvement at the longer format averaging 83 with top scores of 104 and 97. Collins Obuya was the only other batsman to score a century helping him to an average of 63.25 and David Obuya rounded out the 4 best performers averaging 42.

With Kenya needing at least 3 more batsmen, it now gets interesting. Again we will assume that Waters gets a call up and will play. Kenya’s next best performer in terms of average was Francis Otieno with 40.5, but this was from 3 innings, one of which was 6*, so while he puts himself into consideration, he will need to perform again in the upcoming 2 day game if he is to debut in Zimbabwe. Hiren Varaiya averaged 37, but only from 2 inning, one of which was 11*. He also was the pick of the bowling so would get selection for that alone anyhow. Jimmy Kamande averaged 34.75 but did score a 50 and with his experience and bowling will be an almost certain selection.

Boniface Otiko (Anjere?) averaged 28 but would probably be considered too inexperienced for a call up while Peter Kituku got a couple of starts but only one half century. Either player would need a good showing in the final warm up to justify selection. Alex Obanda also scored a 50 but other than that had several failures so must consider his place imperilled, ditto Odoyo who averaged just 13 from 3 innings while Nelson Odhiambo (15.5) and Rakep Patel (14.75) will also both want to do more to stake a realistic claim for the remaining spot.

Given the above it would look like Waters, D Obuya, C Obuya, Tikolo, Ouma and Kamande will make up the top 6 with one of the others fighting for the 7th spot and possibly one included as a reserve batsman.

On the bowling front, Hiren Varaiya and Peter Ongondo both pick themselves on their performances. Varaiya took the most wickets including one haul of 5/65 and 2 wickets in all other innings. Ongondo finished with 8 wickets from the two games with best figures of 4/26. Jimmy Kamande as I mentioned gets a spot as an all-rounder and was next best with 5 wickets alongside Elijah Otieno, probably the last automatic bowling selection, though his place is no means assured, especially if Odoyo is fit.

Lameck Onyango (4wkts) Alfred Luseno (3wkts) and Runish Gudkha (3wkts) were the others who will be pushing for selection with Gudkha the favourite as he only played one of the matches taking 3-14. Nehemiah Odhiambo picked up an injury so played a limited role so will also be in the running should he recover.

Pending performances in the final 2-day game scheduled for Friday, the Intercontinental Cup squad is shaping up something like:

Waters, D Obuya, C Obuya, Tikolo, Ouma, Kamande, (3 of F Otieno/Kituku/Obanda/Nel Odhiambo/R Patel), (3 of Odoyo/Neh Odhiambo/E Otieno/Gudkha), Ongondo, Varaiya.

Certainly interesting times in terms of selection and all to play for in the remaining 2 day game.

NPCA Tables after Round 2, Week 3

POINTS TABLE - LEAGUE 2009 - 50 OVERS.
27.09.09
SUPER
TEAM	PLAYED	WIN	DRAW	BAT	BOWL	BONUS	PENALTY	TOTAL
Swamibapa 'A'	10	108(9)	0	20	37	4	-1	168
Telca	10	96(8)	0	12	36	10	0	154
Kanbis 'A'	10	84(7)	0	18	36	2	0	140
Stray Lions 'A'	8	72(6)	0	15	27	4	-2	116
Kanbis 'B'	10	36(3)	0	12	32	4	0	84
SCLYL 'A'	10	24(2)	0	12	28	0	0	64
Simba Union A	8	12(1)	0	3	22	2	0	39
Sir Ali 'A'	8	12(1)	0	10	10	0	-7	25
DIV I	PLAYED	WIN	DRAW	BAT	BOWL	BONUS	PENALTY	TOTAL
Nbi,Nookers 'A'	9	96(8)	0	16	29	6	-1	146
Premier	9	72(6)	0	15	31	6	-1	123
Swamibapa 'B'	8	72(6)	0	13	29	4	-1	117
Kongonis Dev	10	60(5)	0	16	33	0	-3	106
Ruaraka 'A'	9	60(5)	0	12	20	10	-1	101
Ngara	9	36(3)	0	3	26	6	-4	67
Nbi Gymkhana	9	12(1)	0	10	27	0	0	49
Nbi.Jafferys	7	12(1)	0	5	14	0	-2	29
DIV II	PLAYED	WIN	DRAW	BAT	BOWL	BONUS	PENALTY	TOTAL
Stray Lions 'B'	9	108(9)	0	8	36	12	0	164
Goan Inst ‘A’	10	72(6)	0	21	31	4	0	128
Aga Khan	9	72(6)	0	12	28	2	0	113
Golden XI	9	60(5)	0	13	28	4	0	105
Sir Ali 'B'	8	60(5)	0	9	20	10	-5	96
SCLYL 'B'	8	24(2)	0	6	21	8	0	59
Simba Union B	9	12(1)	0	7	18	8	-5	40
Qutbis	8	12(1)	0	10	11	0	-2	31
DIV III	PLAYED	WIN	DRAW	BAT	BOWL	BONUS	PENALTY	TOTAL
Parklands	9	96(8)	0	13	36	6	-3	148
Aaryans	9	72(6)	0	20	30	2	-1	123
Nbi.Nookers 'B'	9	48(4)	0	6	29	4	-1	86
Goan Inst B'	8	48(4)	0	4	20	15	-1	86
Ruaraka 'B'	8	48(4)	0	3	21	10	-1	81
Oshwal XI	9	36(3)	0	4	29	6	0	75
Women XI	7	12(1)	0	1	18	2	-1	32