LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter
Kenya bowlers Jimmy Kamande and Nehemiah Odhiambo should get a taste of what is to come next Wednesday when the East Africans play their second and final warm-up match against the Netherlands tomorrow at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Complex.
Both men were the only two players who didn't feature in Kenya's 21-run loss to the West Indies in Monday's practice match. Following that game, Kenya's captain Steven Tikolo said it is likely both players would see some action as coach Roger Harper looks to finalise his starting eleven for their opening game against Canada on March 14 in St. Lucia. They will also play New Zealand and England in Group C.
Kamande, 28, who represented Kenya at the U-19 level and played at the 1999 World Cup, has been developing into an all-rounder with his reliable batting and off-spin delivery. Twenty-three year old Odhiambo, whose brother Lameck Onyango also plays for Kenya, is new to the squad with only one cap in one-day cricket.
Tikolo, who scored 34 in Monday's match, should have a good performance at the crease tomorrow against the Nether-lands' medium pace bowling. Collins Obuya, who scored a half-century on Monday, could also figure well for the Kenyans.
Wicket-taking duties for the Netherlands could fall squarely on the shoulders of all-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate, who took 5-55 in his team's 182-run loss to India yesterday.
With the absence of opening bowler Edgar Schiferli due to hamstring injury in the warm-up session yesterday, ten Doeschate may need another major haul for the Nether-lands to deny Kenya victory.
"Schiferli's injury is a big blow for us. He is our main bowler. He's got some extra pace on him and he may be out for the rest of the tournament," said Netherlands' captain Luuk van Troost.
Batting is also a concern for the Dutch captain, as only three Netherlands batsmen scored in double figures against India.
"It's obvious we have to work on our batting and try to bat for 50 overs when we play Kenya. If we don't bat for 50 overs we won't win one match," he said. Along with a net session, The Netherlands are also scheduled to meet with a sports psychologist today in preparation for Kenya and the start of the group matches.