Story Kenya's race for Test status

[inswinger]

New Kenyan coach named

Steve Tikolo, the face of Kenyan cricket for the last decade has been appointed as coach of this new look outfit as the team begins a rebuilding phase. Once earmarked as the next Test nation, Kenyan cricket faced a decline after the 2003 World Cup, during which they qualified for the semi-final, something no other non-Test nation has ever done.

Tikolo, named by many as the best player to come from an ICC Associate team, a title that has only ever been challenged by Ryan ten Doeschate from the Netherlands. A talented batsman (he averaged 30.18 and scored three hundreds), Tikolo has also had success with the ball. Bowling right handed mediums and off-spin, he has taken 88 wickets at an average of 32.30.

Above: Steve Tikolo in action against England during the 2007 World Cup.

It is believed that Tikolo's self-appointed successor will be twenty six year old Maurice Ouma. A talented wicket-keeper with an ODI batting average of 20.54, Ouma's appointment displays Kenya's desire to fill their squad with youth.

The first assignment for Tikolo's men will be a series against Zimbabwe, during which they will participate in five one day games. Fixtures for this series will be released shortly.

 

[inswinger]

Kenya's ODI series in Zimbabwe

Kenya vs. Zimbabwe fixtures released

The fixtures for the upcoming ODI series between Kenya and Zimbabwe have been released. All five matches will be played at the Harare Sports Club, due to ground availability.

25th Sept. - ZIM vs. KEN
27th Sept. - ZIM vs. KEN
30th Sept. - ZIM vs. KEN
2nd Oct. - ZIM vs. KEN
5th Oct. - ZIM vs. KEN
9th Oct. - ZIM vs. KEN

Above: Harare Sports Club will play host to all five matches between Kenya and Zimbabwe.

Ouma excited for first step in Kenya's rebuilding phase

Maurice Ouma, the man tipped to become the new Kenyan captain has voiced his excitement at what he calls, "the first step in our journey to Test level." The bold young batsman has proclaimed his team ready to take on the world's best teams. "I can't wait to play against Zimbabwe. It is really just the first step for us before we take on the top teams. We're really going to be able to show everyone the kind of cricket we can play."

Recent political tensions within Zimbabwe threatened the series, with plans to either move it to the neutral venue of South Africa or to cancel it altogether. "We're glad Zimbabwe's problems have been sorted out well enough that we can go and play some cricket. Steve (Tikolo) has been working the entire team really hard. He is extremely confident for us during this series."

Above: Maurice Ouma in action against Sri Lanka A.

Steve Tikolo's appointment as coach has drawn some criticism, especially regarding the amount of authority he would hold above his former teammates.

"Steve is obviously the best choice for our coach. He has been the best Kenyan cricketer and I think we need someone with his talent to teach the team," Ouma said, "I can see that everybody in our team has an enormous amount of respect for him."

The upcoming series between Kenya and Zimbabwe promises to be an intriguing one, with Kenya fighting for recognition among the Test nations and with Zimbabwe struggling to stay amongst those top level teams.

 

[age of the fall]

Nice, haven't seen a big Kenyan story thus far. Looking forward to see where this leads

 

[inswinger]

Kenya announce squad

Kenya announce squad for Zimbabwe series

Kenya have announced a fifteen man squad for their upcoming five match series against Zimbabwe. The naming of the squad has also given new coach Steve Tikolo a chance to formally announce twenty six year old wicket-keeper Maurice Ouma as his successor as captain.

Kenyan 15-man Squad:
*Maurice Ouma - 26 years, RHB, WK
Alex Obanda - 21 years, RHB
Collins Obuya - 28 years, RHB, LS
Elijah Otieno - 21 years, RHB, RMF
Hiren Varaiya - 25 years, RHB, SLA
Jimmy Kamande - 30 years, RHB, OS
Kalpesh Patel - 24 years, RHB, RM
Kennedy Otieno - 37 years, RHB, WK
Lameck Onyango - 36 years, RHB, RM
Nehemiah Odhiambo - 26 years, RHB, RMF
Peter Ongondo - 32 years, RHB, RMF
Rajesh Bhudia - 24 years, RHB, RM
Rakep Patel - 20 years, RHB, OS
Seren Waters - 19 years, RHB, LS
Thomas Odoyo - 31 years, RHB, RMF

Above: Seren Waters may be the key to Kenyan success.

Kenya have selected a relatively young team, their average age sitting at around 27. Seren Waters may prove an interesting selection, he is a classy opening batsman with a 74 against a strong South African outfit to his name. It will be up to him to grab some attention on the international stage during the tour.

Tikolo "can't wait" to see Ouma take captaincy role

It didn't take long for the recently appointed Kenyan coach Steve Tikolo to select his replacement as captain. Maurice Ouma is a man that Tikolo believes can take Kenyan cricket forward. "I am really excited for Maurice. He's been one of the real leaders of the team and now he will be able to stand up and take charge."

Tikolo's belief in Ouma may have been the deciding factor in the new captain's selection. It is rumoured that Kenyan match officials wanted the more experienced Thomas Odoyo to lead the team into the future. Odoyo however, is already thirty one, leaving him the better part of three to five years of cricket left. With the already aging Kennedy Otieno (thirty seven) and Lameck Onyango (thirty six), the decision in Ouma's favour signals a new move forward for Kenyan cricket.

Above: Kenyan cricket's new leader, Maurice Ouma.

"I can't wait to see how Maurice goes against Zimbabwe. I have complete faith that he will get the job done and be successful going into the future," Tikolo said when announcing the squad. It is only a matter of time before the critics will be able to pass judgement upon Ouma's selection as captain. The looming series against Zimbabwe will serve as his first test in his new role as Kenya's new captain.

 

[inswinger]

Teams named for first ODI

Kenya and Zimbabwe name their first XI

In anticipation of the upcoming confrontation between Kenya and Zimbabwe, both teams have announced the XI that will be competing.

Zimbabwe

H. Masakadza
K. Dabengwa
V. Sibanda
S. Matsikenyeri
S. Williams
E. Chigumbura
P. Utseya *
F. Mutizwa +
G. Cremer
R. Price
E. Rainsford

Kenya

K. Otieno
S. Waters
A. Obanda
M. Ouma *+
C. Obuya
L. Onyango
P. Ongondo
J. Kamande
N. Odhiambo
R. Bhudia
H. Varaiya

The major surprise from both lineups is that the man touted as Maurice Ouma's only competition for the captaincy, Thomas Odoyo has not been named in the starting eleven. In his place, the less experienced Nehemiah Odhiambo will play.

Above: Thomas Odoyo will miss the first match in the series against Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe to bat first

Zimbabwean captain Prosper Utseya elected to bat first on a pitch that looks very flat and promises big scores to any batsman that can get themselves settled.

Above: Prosper Utseya and Maurice Ouma shake hands at the coin toss.

Today's play promises to be full of excitement as these two teams face off in the first of five one day fixtures. We will update the state of play after five overs.

 

[inswinger]

Early strike for Kenya

Zimbabwe left reeling

Zimbabwean opening batsman Keith Dabengwa has every right to feel hard done by after he was given out LBW in a questionable decision. The ball appeared to swing too much and head down leg side, but was given out anyway.

Above: Keith Dabengwa swings his bat in disgust after being given out LBW.

Current Batsman:
H. Masakadza - 12 (20)
V. Sibanda - 1 (2)

Last Batsman:
K. Dabengwa - lbw b. N. Odhiambo - 1 (8) - FOW: 1/5

Current Bowling:
N. Odhiambo - 3 - 2 - 5 - 1 - 1.67 RpO
P. Ongondo - 2 - 0 - 9 - 0 - 4.5 RpO

The selection of the young fast bowler Nehemiah Odhiambo has proven to be a master stroke. He has restricted the scoring so much that he has two maidens from his three overs.

Above: A look at Hawkeye shows the ball swinging down leg side.

Masakadza and Sibanda will have to endure a tough period with Odhiambo swinging the ball dangerously and Ongondo providing reliable support. Masakadza has had a few wild swings at wide deliveries, which luckily for him have missed the edge each time.

Be sure to check back at the ten over mark to see whether Zimbabwe can withstand the storm.

 

[inswinger]

Zimbabwe go on the attack

Masakadza sets up Zimbabwe's innings

Zimbabwe's batsman have responded positively to the early wicket. Hamilton Masakadza has struck a powerful six off the back foot back over Peter Ongondo's head and is playing a very impressive innings so far.

Above: The umpire signals Masakadza's six.

Masakadza, along with some impressive shots from Sibanda, has led Zimbabwe to 1/47.

Current Batsman:
H. Masakadza - 27 (39)
V. Sibanda - 18 (14)

Last Batsman:
K. Dabengwa - lbw b. N. Odhiambo - 1 (8) - FOW: 1/5

Current Bowling:
N. Odhiambo - 5 - 2 - 18 - 1 - 3.6 RpO - 1nb
J. Kamande - 1 - 0 - 9 - 9 RpO

Above: Sibanda drives confidently for a boundary.

Odhiambo is sure to come out of the attack soon, he has become increasingly expensive after his brilliant first few overs. Masakadza is becoming settled against the swing and Sibanda is playing his shots, regardless of what the ball is doing.

We'll be back after fifteen overs to see how Kenya can slow the onslaught.

 

[Tarzan]

Good ... Kenya's fan are few on PC but your story looks interesting...

 

[hedger_14]

Nice start mate. I will be following this. KIU. Instead of putting the umpire raising his hands for a six, you should just put the actual shot played. tbh, I wouldn't even be bothered to look at the umpire since he's just raising his hands really.

 

[Tarzan]

Yup... That's right.

 

[TheGreemSim]

This story has great potential! Hopefully Seren Waters can make an impact in the series. I'm skeptical of how the scores will turn out in Ashes 09, are you playing it on PC, PS3, 360?

 

[Gary123]

Great Start!
Love the presentation thus far.
Screenies can be better.
Like the Hawk-Eye too.
Could have animated though.
Will definitely be following this.
Good Luck!

 

[hedger_14]

@ TheGreenSim. It would be PC wouldn't it otherwise he wouldn't have been able to take them screenies.