2007 Cricket World Cup Squad Preview - Kenya

by user Alex Holowczak

West Indies in 1996. Sri Lanka and New Zealand in 2003. Kenya has a history of pulling off big shocks in the Cricket World Cup.

They were by far the best nation that has never played Test Matches, and although they got to the Semi Finals in 2003 thanks to a game being boycotted due to safety concerns, the Kenyans achievement of reaching the World Cup Semi Finals cannot be underestimated. It sent shock waves through the cricketing world.

They are drawn with Canada, England and New Zealand, and will need another shock result to get into the Super Eight stage of the competition. With their history, anything is possible.

Steve Tikolo

Type: All Rounder, Captain
Tikolo is a great. For a decade he has epitomised Kenyan cricket, and he will lead them into their fourth World Cup in 2007. Has proven a useful addition with the ball too.

Rajesh Bhudia

Type: Bowler
Selected for the first time to represent his country, Bhudia was a shock inclusion in the Kenyan side.

Jimmy Kamande

Type: Bowler
Kamande has come back to the game after being told to remodel his action after being accused of throwing, rather than bowling. A useful bowler, if not a match-winner, and a useful late order hitter.

Tanmay Mishra

Type: Batsman
At 20, Mishra is the heir apparent to Tikolo’s throne as the premier Kenyan batsman, He has done well against lower class opposition, and will need to raise his game for the World Cup.

Collins Obuya

Type: All Rounder
Obuya was one of the heroes of the 2003 World Cup for Kenya. But soon after that tournament, he struggled with his bowling, and has become a specialist batsman and fielder, that occasionally bowls. A pity for a cricketer that had huge potential.

David Obuya

Type: Batsman, Wicketkeeper
An improved batsman, the brother of Collins Obuya has now cemented his place in the Kenyan team with the gloves, when his brother, Kennedy Otieno decided to play club cricket in Australia this winter.

Thomas Odoyo

Type: All Rounder
Odoyo has been everpresent when Kenya have played in the World Cup, and at just 28 is competing in his fourth World Cup. Recently out of form with the bat, but was on fire with the ball.

Nehemiah Odhiambo

Type: Bowler
Another young Kenyan recruit, Odhiambo bowled well in the World Cricket League, and has won a place in the side as a result. A useful late innings hitter too.

Peter Ongondo

Type: Bowler
Kenya’s best bowler, Ongondo will be key if Kenya are to cause an upset in the World Cup.

Lameck Onyango

Type: Bowler
Onyango was a terrible player, being picked at Number 11 and didn’t get to bowl in most cases. So his inclusion here is a big surprise. He has improved in recent times.

Maurice Ouma

Type: Batsman (opener), Wicketkeeper
Ouma is the reserve wicketkeeper and has been described as a star in the making. One can only hope he gets a chance to perform at the top level to show his talent.

Malhar Patel

Type: Batsman
Another interesting inclusion, Patel is a specialist batsman that bats in the middle order. He has done nothing of note so far, but may well be one for the future.

Ravi Shah

Type: Batsman
Touted as the best batsman not playing Test cricket, Shah was a revelation in 2003. Injury set him back a few years, but a shock comeback led to a strong start to 2007. He struggled in the World Cricket League, so his form is indifferent.

Tony Suji

Type: All Rounder
An all-rounder that once showed great promise, but who’s inclusion in the squad shows more the lack of depth in Kenyan cricket more than anything else.

Hiren Varaiya

Type: Bowler
Varaiya has performed excellently since coming into the side, and the left-arm spinner should play in the World Cup in 2007. Has good potential.

Strengths

• Tikolo is a world-class player and captain and backed up by Shah with the bat
• Varaiya, Mishra and Ongongo are up and coming talents

Weaknesses

• No depth to batting or bowling
• Players in the squad that will make no impact at all
• No recognisable opening pair
• Stars of 2003 retired or out of form

Verdict

This is the weakest Kenyan side to play in a World Cup. They have proved that they are one of the elite non-Test sides still, but it is a shame that while they have two or three promising players coming through to play with the veterans there is neither the depth or quality to cause the Test sides concern. Yet still, Kenya will be the side every neutral will support in the West Indies this year. Kenya are the Yeovil Town of the Cricket World Cup, they always come close to upsets. And England and New Zealand will beware. Realistically, victory over Canada would be a success for the Kenyans. But who knows!? Many said the same in 2003 before the tournament, so anything is possible.