Kenyan captain Odumbe calls for more chances to play top teams

Kenyan captain Maurice Odumbe called on the International Cricket Council on Friday to give his country more chances to play against top-class opposition.

The appeal came after a humiliating 10-wicket defeat at the hands of India.

After winning the toss and batting, Kenya were dismissed for 90. India reached the target in just 11.3 overs.

"We've simply got to play more games," Odumbe said. "I know that people are saying that we don't belong but if the ICC are serious about promoting cricket we've got to play more tournaments.

"Everyone playing the game today, even the strongest sides, had to start somewhere and it's the same for us."

Odumbe admitted two heavy defeats in succession had damaged the players' spirits. They lost against South Africa by seven wickets on Sunday.

"Our morale has definitely take a big blow," he said. "Even the senior players like myself are feeling the pressure. We know that people are watching us and coming to negative conclusions.

"We're just going to have to get drunk tonight and put this game behind us. We've got to make sure we don't do the same when we play South Africa (in Kimberley on Sunday)," Odumbe said.

Indian captain Saurav Ganguly said: "They are a weaker side and they didn't play well, but they need to be given a chance at this level."

Mail Cricket Editor