Youngsters get the nod for IC and 20-20s

Cricket Kenya has today released the team for the upcoming Intercontinental cup clash with top-of-the-table Scotland and the 20-20 series with Scotland and Uganda that follows. While the batting line up is much to be expected, the selectors have opted to keep faith with three of the youngsters who played in the recent series vs Uganda. This means that at least one of Shem Obado, Nelson Odhiambo or James Otieno, maybe all, will get a full cap before the series is out. Strangely given the decision to go with the youth, there is no place for Lucas Oluoch who was perhaps the standout of the players that was blooded against Uganda.

There is also no place for the vastly experienced Peter Ongondo and with both Thomas Odoyo and Rageb Aga unavailable due to injury, this leaves Kenya with a very inexperienced front line attack. For the Intercontinental Cup only, Alfred Luseno is retained and will open the bowling with his extra pace with Elijah Otieno and Nehemiah Odhiambo the other likely seamers.

The top order batting line up retains the services of Seren Waters for the Intercontinental Cup, but he returns to university afterwards to make way for Tony Suji in the side – another strange selection given that the selectors are obviously choosing with one eye on the future. With Waters likely to open and Ouma (Cpt) and Steve Tikolo certainties, the other batting slots will be between David Obuya, Rakep Patel, Alex Obanda, Collins Obuya, and Shem Obado. The spin department must surely be lead by Hiren Varaiya while Jimmy Kamande will retain his place as Vice Captain.

The 20-20 series will likely be where the youngsters get their chances as coach Eldine Baptiste will need to do some tinkering before the team heads off for the World Cup qualifiers. All three should get a run at some stage, but may lose out if Suji is included.

This squad gives several younger players a real chance to step up and prove themselves, but the lack of experience could be costly, especially in the longer format where a player such as Ongondo would have been valuable both with the ball in hand but also as a steadying influence on the less experienced players. Elijah Otieno and Luseno will really need to bend their backs to get the early breakthrough to avoid the pressure building up. Kenyan fans will be hoping it is a gamble that pays off – it is about time Kenya started to put together a string of wins.

Full Squad:
1. Morris Ouma (Captain)
2. James Kamande (Vice Captain)
3. David Obuya
4. Rakep Patel
5. Collins Obuya
6. Stephen Tikolo
7. Hiren Varaiya
8. Nehemiah Odhiambo
9. Elijah Otieno
10. Alex Obanda
11. Seren Waters
12. Shem Obado
13. Nelson Odhiambo
14. Alfred Luseno
15. James Otieno Ngoche

Alfred Luseno and Seren Waters leave the squad for the 20-20s, Tony Suji comes in.

Bowling rankings for Kenya players start of 2010

Bowling rankingd for the Kenya players as of 1st Jan 2010:

PLAYER	Ranking	difference	Rating	difference
Hiren Varaiya	45	8	513	21
Thomas Odoyo	51	3	498	-4
Peter Ongondo	53	-23	496	-73
Steve Tikolo	78	-11	447	1
Jimmy Kamande	105		384
Nehemiah Odhiambo	110	1	375	49
Lameck Onyango	153	-19	277	-6
Collins Obuya	158		268
Rajesh Bhudia	183	2	219	19
Elijah Otieno	235	-17	157	-13
Alfred Luseno	258		128

Kenya Players ODI rankings as of Jan 1st 2010

Below are the current ODI player rankings for the Kenyan players showing the difference to the last update we did in August:

PLAYER	Ranking	difference	Rating	difference
Alex Obanda	74	-5	478	-9
Steve Tikolo	75	-15	463	-28
Collins Obuya	91	-2	425	-1
Thomas Odoyo	94	-3	422	1
David Obuya	98	31	412	77
Maurice Ouma	114	7	383	32
Jimmy Kamande	144	-15	327	-53
Kennedy Otieno	153		316
Hiren Varaiya	177		284
Nehemiah Odhiambo	179	-5	282	19
Rajesh Bhudia	181		279
Lameck Onyango	205		245
Seren Waters	207	-38	242	-31
Peter Ongondo	236	-28	216	-10
Rakep Patel	248	81	210	98
Elijah Otieno	346		114
Alfred Luseno	360		102

Kenya end year on a high

a markedly improved batting performance by Kenya in their final ODI v Uganda saw the team cruise to a massive 199 run victory to complete a 3-0 series whitewash and end the year on a high.

Maurice Ouma (72) and Seren Waters (55) opened the batting and gave Kenya an opening stand of 118 before Waters was finally trapped lbw by Henry Seyondo. Ouma then teamed up with Alex Obanda and the pair continued to attack the bowlers marching the score to 175. Obanda followed 20 runs later for a well made 57 with 10 overs to go but the platform had already been set.

David Obuya (23 off 18) and Rakep Patel (right) had both been moved down the order and responded in explosive fashion. Patel was particularly impressive smashing 71 off just 29 deliveries including 3 fours and 8 sixes! Run-a-ball cameo contributions from Nehemiah Odhiambo, Tony Suji and Elijah Otieno helped Kenya set 329/6 by the end of their 50 overs and with the bowlers so far in great form, the match already looked half won.

The first ball of Uganda's reply compounded matters for them as their best batsman of the tournament so far, Roger Mukasa, edged Odhiambo for Ouma to take the catch and give Kenya the best possible start to their defence. Akbar Baig (23) and Frank Nsubuga (43) added 75 for the second wicket taking a particular liking to Otieno, but the introduction of James Ngoche soon had both players back in the pavilion and Kenya once again looking strong.

Wickets then began to fall at regular intervals with only Benjamin Musoke (18) and Jonathan Sebanja (11) able to make it into double figures as the Kenyan bowlers continued their dominance. Hiren Varaiya (3/18 off 10) and James Ngoche (3/27 off 10) finished with the best figures, but Nehemiah Odhiambo (2/23) and Nelson Odhiambo (2/15) also contributed to an emphatic victory.

Having won the series 3-0 and with 2 huge margins in the first and last games, Kenya will feel that they have atoned for the 2-0 loss in the 20-20s. Work still remains to be done on the shorter format of the game, that is clear, but at least at ODI level, there is still some breathing space between them and their fast improving neighbour. Unless the development work by Cricket Kenya kicks up a further gear in 2010, the question will still remain for how much longer?

What is extremely positive from this series is to see the bulk of the youngsters in the team standing up and performing. Lucas Oluoch was impressive in both games he played and Rakep Patel continues to gain in confidence. Shem Obado and James Otieno Ngoche both took wickets and Nelson Odhiambo also showed an inkling of what he may be able to achieve. When he took over, coach Eldine Baptise warned the established players that there would be no sacred cows in the team, with the performances of the youngsters this series, there is certainly genuine debate now over several places in the squad and this competition can only lead to a stronger side. Questions still remain over some of the batting, but on the whole the future is beginning to look much brighter than it was a year ago.

Kenya 329/6 (Ouma 72, Patel 71, Obanda 57, Waters 55, Waiswa 2/58)
beat
Uganda 130 (Nsubuga 43, Baig 28, Varaiya 3/18, J Otieno 3/27, Nel Odhiambo 2/15, Neh Odhiambo 2/23)
by 199 runs

Kenya win series 3-0

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)

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.

Kennedy Otieno out as Cricket Kenya increase bowling options

Veteran batsman Kennedy Otieno (right) has been left out of Kenya's squad to play Canada in the Intercontinental Cup and One Day series with his place to be taken by seamer Alfred Luseno. No other changes have been made to the side that played Ireland with England based batsman Seren Waters retaining his spot.

With almost all of the other national team players in great touch in the NPCA league, it is perhaps not surprising that there are so few changes. That Kenya are taking an extra bowler also indicates that they are focussed on winning the Intercontinental Cup match - a task that will require them to bowl their hosts out twice. One player for whom this tour will bring back fond memories is Hiren Varaiya who burst onto the scene against Canada by taking a wicket with his very first ball there. He has a great record against the North Americans and having been the most improved Kenyan player in the most recent ICC rankings should be hopeful of a starting spot, despite being left out against Ireland in the longer format.

The full squad has been updated in the sidebar.

Suji to coach team in Canada

With the new national coach yet to be chosen, it is understood that Martin Suji will travel in that capacity when Kenya tour Canada next month. According to a report in today's Nation it will now not be until September that the new coach is named. This is a frustrating delay in some ways as it may well be almost half way through the current Intercontinental Cup campaign before he takes charge. Given that there will then be a settling in period, Kenya's fate in the competition may well be as good as sealed by the time his influence kicks in. According to the article, 5 shortlisted coaches will be invited travel to Kenya for one-on-one interviews in August. It is not clear who will be footing the bill for this.

While the delay is frustrating, it gives further experience to Suji who could possibly be the man to step permanently into this role in the future, or sooner should he be able to get results while he is in charge. Ultimately, a home-grown coach would be ideal for Kenya provided they were of sufficient standard.

With most of the current national team also in fine form in the NPCA league, it looks unlikely that there will be much change to the team when it is announced next week. On current form, the one player outside the national squad who is returning exceptional figures is Stray Lions bowler Darshit Shah. Another good weekend ahead and it would surely make it hard for the selectors not to at least consider him. He is the only bowler to have so far picked up 4+ wickets in both weeks, though Nehemiah Odhiambo does match his 9 wickets so far for the season.

Maurice Ouma is Kenya's new Captain

Cricket Kenya have today released the squad to travel to Ireland along with the new appointments for Captain and Vice Captain. In a move that was guessed at by only 2% of the readership of this blog, Kenya's new Captain will be Maurice Ouma (Right) with Jimmy Kamande acting as Vice Captain. It is a bold decision by Kenya's selectors and is certainly made with an eye on the future as both players are likely to be around for a long time yet.

There is only one change to the rest of the 15 man squad with Rajesh Bhudia making way for the in-form David Obuya to return to national colours. Ragheb Aga, who has been in fine wicket taking form and Peter Kituku are the two other players who could count themselves unlucky to have missed out. Aside from the captaincy, this is a squad that contains few surprises. David Obuya brings much needed depth to the batting while the recent form of Lameck Onyango (Ngoche) allows the selectors to sacrifice a bowler in order to do this. As announced earlier, Andy Kirsten will travel as coach for the Intercontinental Cup tie and the one day series which will consist of three games rather than two as initially thought.

Full squad:

1. Morris Ouma (Captain)
2. Jimmy Kamande (Vice Captain)
3. Kennedy Obuya
4. Alex Obanda
5. Steve Tikolo
6. Collins Obuya
7. Thomas Odoyo
8. Nehemiah Odhiambo
9. Lameck Ngoche
10. Peter Ongondo
11. Hiren Varaiya
12. Rakep Patel
13. Elijah Otieno
14. Seren Waters
15. David Obuya

Further comment to follow shortly.

Photo courtesy of Joseph Mutisya.