Zimbabwe aim to continue rebuilding

Monday, October 12, 2009
Start time 9.30am, (7.30GMT)

There is a rare lull on the international stage at the moment - which is being neatly filled by the Champions League - but on Monday a series between two African nations striving to move up to (or, in Zimbabwe's case, return to) the top table begins in Harare. Kenya, who have just completed their Intercontinental Cup tie against a Zimbabwe XI, are the opposition for five ODIs as both teams try prove there can be more than one major cricket-playing nation in the continent.

In truth, this is a battle between two sides firmly entrenched in the lower levels of one-day international cricket. However, for Zimbabwe it continues their rehabilitation towards resuming their Test status. There are positive noises coming out of the country from the new faces on board as former players return to help administer and coach. Alistair Campbell, the former captain, told the BBC World Service that he believes Zimbabwe can return to Tests in "two or three years", while David Houghton last month told Cricinfo he also had positive views on the future.

First, though, Zimbabwe need to mould a side that competes consistently and their recent record against Kenya suggests they should be confident of doing so in this series. In January and February they completed a 5-0 whitewash in Kenya and will be targeting a similarly emphatic result this time.

Kenya have failed to develop as they once promised to and there have been many problems within the game. Their Intercontinental Cup loss to the Zimbabwe XI won't have boosted spirits, while they have won only two ODIs since 2007, plenty of them against fellow Associates who they should be able to compete with.

Form guide

(last five completed matches, most recent first)

Zimbabwe - LLWLL
Kenya - LLLLL

Zimbabwe have plenty of spin options in the squad and during their last series, against Bangladesh, they often played three frontline options. That could be on the cards again, although an extra seamer may be required depending on conditions which could hand a debut to Trevor Garwe. The batting line-up looks reasonably solid with Sean Williams and Brendan Taylor available.

Zimbabwe (possible) 1 Charles Coventry, 2 Hamilton Masakadza, 3 Sean Williams, 4 Brendan Taylor, 5 Stuart Matsikenyeri, 6 Elton Chigumbura, 7 Forster Mutizwa (wk), 8 Prosper Utseya (capt), 9 Ray Price, 10 Chris Mpofu, 11 Trevor Garwe

There are not many options for Kenya following their four-day defeat, but Peter Ongondo could return to strengthen the seam attack. As usual, much will rest on the shoulders of the in-form Steve Tikolo.

Kenya (possible) 1 David Obuya, 2 Rakep Patel, 3 Collins Obuya, 4 Steve Tikolo, 5 Maurice Ouma (capt & wk), 6 Alex Obanda, 7 Jimmy Kamande, 8 Thomas Odoyo, 9 Ragheb Aga, 10 Nehemiah Odhiambo, 11 Hiren Varaiya

In the fourth ODI against Bangladesh, Charles Coventry came within one powerful blow of making the first double century in ODI cricket. In the end he had to settle for a record-equalling 194 as he lost the strike during the final over, and even that wasn't enough to prevent a Bangladesh victory. However, he showed that an average in the low 20s (as it was before that innings) perhaps wasn't a true reflection of his ability and Zimbabwe will be hoping he can find similar form again.

Thomas Odoyo has been a stalwart of the Kenya team for over a decade having made his debut during the 1996 World Cup. His all-round skills bring valuable balance to the side and 121 wickets at 30 is an impressive ODI record. His experience is vital in a side blooding youngsters and it was a surprise to see him as low as No. 8 in the Intercontinental Cup match.

"We played very well to beat them 5-0 the last time. But they will definitely want to redeem themselves. They have shown in recent matches that they are a much-improved side. It would be folly to underrate them."
Prosper Utseya is determined not to take the Kenya team lightly despite Zimbabwe's success earlier this year.