Canadian Cricket

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Preview of Kenya ODI Series

After the Intercontinental Cup match last weekend, Canada and Kenya will renew acquaintances this weekend with a 2 match ODI series. These matches will serve Canada with some much-needed ODI experience heading into the ICC Americas Championship later this month. Kenya comes in looking for revenge after a close loss on the weekend, while Canada would love to post a sweep of the tourists.

The Kenyans come in with the same lineup they carried in the 4-day match:
  1. S. Tikolo (C)
  2. T. Odoyo
  3. H. Modi
  4. K. Otieno (wk)
  5. T. Mishra
  6. P. Ongondo
  7. N. Odhiambo
  8. J. Kamande
  9. T. Suji
  10. B. Patel
  11. T. Muange
  12. H. Variaya
  13. C. Obuya

They have some questions to answer at the top of their order as the opening combination of Otieno and Patel scored a disappointing 9 runs over two innings in the previous match. Steve Tikolo will be looking to put up some large numbers in the ODI in an effort to lead his team to victory.

The Canadian selectors make some controversial changes to the lineup:

  1. J. Davison (C)
  2. Q. Ali
  3. A. Bagai (wk)
  4. U. Bhatti
  5. D. Chumney
  6. G. Codrington
  7. S. Dhaniram
  8. G. Barnett (replaces H. Dhillon, injury)
  9. S. Heaney
  10. N. Ifill
  11. D. Maxwell
  12. H. Osinde
  13. K. Sandher
  14. S. Thuraisingam

The additions of Chumney, Codrington, and Ifill (at an average age of 38) is a case of selectors putting in their 'buddies' rather than the best players in the country. These players are all mediocre at best, and due to their age have no room left for development. The team would be much better served having a young player who is developping and woudl benefit from international experience, rather than giving these old boys one last go-round. That being said, I do enjoy watching Codrington bat with no helmet on, even when facing the pacers.

The matches will be played Saturday and Sunday at the Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club (Avenue + Wilson Road). Play will be from 10:00 am to 5:40 pm each day. Admission is free, and parking is available at the school across the road. The weather forecast presently says 28 and sunny for Saturday, but 31 and Thundershowers for Sunday. Hope to see a good turnout at the match, come out and watch some cricket!

posted by JWilly at 11:57 a.m.

1 Comments:

  • Just at a guess, I would expect Muange to open in place of Patel for Kenya and Suji to make way for Kamande. If I was coach, that would be my move, but we shall see.
    Muange is underdone to play in an ODI I feel, but could hardly do worse that Patel and who knows, it could be the catalyst he needs.
    Kamande I think is a more reiable bowler recently and is also in form with the bat.

    By Blogger Chemosit, at 9:46 p.m.  

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