By Oscar Pilipili
New captain Maurice Ouma has his first international assignment as skipper when he leads Kenya against Ireland in the 2009 Intercontinental Cup tie today.
The long-serving wicketkeeper hopes to win the match, which he described as a very important encounter in his cricket career.
"It is the wish of every captain to win his maiden match. Likewise I’m looking forward for a big victory against Ireland in the Intercontinental Cup match," Ouma told FeverPitch before they left for Ireland.
The 23-year-old Ouma was named captain of the team last week following the retirement of all-rounder Steve Tikolo last week.
Big Players
Kenya’s team that is in Ireland comprises of regulars including new deputy captain Jimmy Kamande, Kennedy Obuya, Alex Obanda, Steve Tikolo, Collins Obuya, Thomas Odoyo and Nehemiah Odhiambo.
Other members of the team are: Lameck Ngoche, Peter Ongondo, Hiren Varaiya, Rakep Patel, Elijah Otieno, Seren Waters, David Obuya.
The hosts will be without three big players when they begin their defence of the Intercontinental Cup title against Kenya in Eglinton in Northern Ireland.
Kyle McCallan will captain the side in the absence of William Porterfield, who, along with Boyd Rankin, will be busy with county commitments. Wicketkeeper Niall O’Brien is out of action for six weeks after injuring his ankle during the World Twenty-20.
Ireland have called up uncapped fast bowler Andrew Britton, the leading wicket-taker for his side in the Under-19 World Cup last year.
McCallan said Ireland and Kenya have had some keen tussles over the last few years. "Our victory over them to win our first Intercontinental Cup, in 2005, stands out as one of the best performances by an Irish cricket team," McCallan said.
Ouma feels their qualification to the 2011 World Cup show that Kenya is still the top Associate member of the Intercontinental Cricket Council.
"Nobody should doubt our ability because we’ve qualified for the 2011 World Cup," he said.
Ouma said that although Tikolo has handed over the captaincy, they would welcome his advice for so long as he will still be in the team.
"We still value his presence in the team and so seeking advice from him is inevitable," he said.