Ouma Recalled As Kenya Name Squad

Opening batsman Maurice Ouma has been recalled to the squad to face Bangladesh in the first ODI tomorrow. Ouma is named second in the list of 14 players behind Kennedy Obuya, to my reading a sign that the selectors are prepared to give him another chance. Brijal Patel, who opened in Canada is retained in the squad, but is listed 13th, an indication that he may sit Saturday's match at least on the sidelines. Timothy Muange, who made the trip to Canada but did not play, loses his place as does Tony Suji. Malhar Patel and Josephat Ababu are the other players brought in to make up the squad of 14.

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Ouma's inclusion is a brave move by the selectors and one I hope works not only for Kenya's sake in the series, but for Ouma as a player. So far this year in ODIs, he has made 3, 4 and 12 against Zimbabwe followed by 2 and 16 against Bangladesh. Bringing him back now against a team that obviously enjoyed bowling to him before is not only a huge gamble, but also a stern test of character. Let me get one thing clear: Ouma is a better batsman than his form for Kenya so far this year shows. He has the skill to come back, and has the potential to be a key player for Kenya in the future. If he performs this series, then all will be forgiven from earlier in the year, but if he doesn't it could do huge damage to his confidence for future series. I'm sure I am not alone among Kenyans in hoping that he can come good and give us the stability at the top of the order that will be so vital if we are going to be competetive.

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Ouma aside, it looks like we are going to go into tomorrow's game with the same line up that beat Canada. This is good news as it keeps together a winning combination, but also reassures the youngsters that they are trusted with an important job. Do not be surprised if one or more of them again prove their worth against the Tigers. Tanmay Mishra, Hiren Variaya and Nehemiah Odhiambo will again be asked to take a step up in performance levels and a good performance from them over the weekend will be almost as good as seeing a Kenyan win. Having juniors coming through, even though there has been little infastructure for them to build on, is great. Imagine what it could be like with a good feeder system in place.

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The full squad:

1. KENNEDY OBUYA

2. MAURICE OUMA

3. JIMMY KAMANDE

4. STEVE TIKOLO

5. HITESH MODI

6. COLLINS OBUYA

7. TANMAY MISHRA

8. THOMAS ODOYO

9. NEHEMIAH ODHIAMBO

10. PETER ONGONDO

11. HIREN VARAIYA

12. MALHAR PATEL

13. BRIJAL PATEL

14. JOSEPHAT ABABU

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My thanks to Nakeel for the info.