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| Saturday, 04 September 2004 |
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Kenya will miss Odumbe by Elmo Rodrigopulle The Kenyans who scored a memorable victory beating Sri Lanka in a World Cup encounter in Kenya, will be hard pressed to make an impression in the absence of their most versatile cricketer Maurice Odumbe. Odumbe has been banned from the game for his involvement with the bookies. Odumbe as captain and allrounder did a lot for the game in Kenya. His absence will be greatly felt. Kenya takes the field for the first time against India on September 11, at the Rose Bowl. In the absence of Odumbe, players of the calibre of Steve Tikolo, Kennedy Otieno, Hitesh Modi, Thomas Odoyo, Martin Suji and his brother Tony will have to play at their best if the Kenyans are to make any impression. The above named are good cricketers and will be determined to leave their mark in the tournament. They are in a tough group which also has Pakistan. True they can't beat India and Pakistan, but it would be satisfying to them if they can make some sort of an impression. USA The cricketers from America if what information we have been able to gather would only be honouring their fixtures in this tournament. True they have some Indians and Pakistanis in their squad, but they have not been able to show their prowess owing to lack of competition. Former West Indian Clayton Lambert will be their player to watch. Sri Lanka, when they were World Champions in 1996 toured the US on the invitation of Cosmas Mahagama and showed the Americans their capabilities playing some friendly game against US teams that had some Sri Lankans too. Former cricketers from Sri Lanka Dr. Cyril Earnest and Dr. Lareef Indroos were of great help to their cricket and cricketers playing and being involved in their administration. If we remember right Dr. Cyril Earnest was the President of the American Cricket Association. This tournament would be a good experience for them and it is hoped that they would carry this experience to further their fortunes in the game. American footballers played in the prestigious World Cup when they hosted it and made a fine impression. It is hoped that their cricketers too would someday play in the cricket World Cup. Reports reaching us have it that they are doing some serious training, determined to give their opponents Australia and New Zealand a good game. To beat them the Americans will look for a cricket miracle. Americans play New Zealand in their first game on September 10, at the London Oval. |
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