Scotland prepare for Kenyan challenge

Majid Haq, Scotland's offspinning all-rounder, will need to draw on his good memories of the Gymkhana ground in Nairobi as Scotland take on a strong Kenyan side in the Intercontinental Cup on January 25.

Haq was in Scotland side that reached the final of the inaugural World Cricket League (WCL) Division One there in 2007 and although his side lost to Kenya, he made a name for himself. Both in the final and in an earlier group match against the eventual winners, he was on top form, taking 3 for 26 with the ball and hitting 71 with the bat.

Now he's back and although it's a very different mindset playing the four-day Intercontinental Cup rather than the 50-over format of the WCL, Haq will be drawing on his positive experiences as Scotland look for a result against a strong Kenya side.

Of course, his role in the team is now very different to what it was three years ago. Then, he was a newcomer in a side filled with experience but with retirements, injuries and other commitments making players unavailable, Haq, still only 26, is one of the old-heads these days.

"I've been training hard so now it's time to do the business on the pitch," he said. "I'm one of the more senior players at 26 so I want to make sure I step up and lead from the front with a strong performance."

As one of Scotland's new crop of full-time players, there is a confidence that comes with being handed that sort of opportunity. However, there is also pressure.

"Obviously, as a full-time player the pressure comes with it. But I just need to focus on what I do and make sure I do it well. It's fantastic to be playing full-time cricket and I'm determined to repay the faith that has been shown in me."

The visitors will be without some of their proven performers, such as Neil McCallum, Fraser Watts and Ryan Watson but Durham's Kyle Coetzer makes a welcome appearance, as does Qasim Sheikh, who already has an Intercontinental Cup century (and a 92 not out) to his name.

Other full-timers Dewald Nel and Gordon Goudie will spearhead the Scotland attack while talented wicketkeeper Simon Smith is fast cementing his place in the side after the retirement last year of veteran gloveman Colin Smith.

Scotland won this competition in 2004 and have begun the 2009-10 season well, beating Canada in Aberdeen last July before drawing with defending champions Ireland at the same venue in August. Despite a number of challenges facing his team, skipper Gordon Drummond is confident he has the right personnel to do the job at the picturesque surroundings in Nairobi.

"We'll be going out there to try and get a win against the Kenyans," he said. "We know they'll be tough. We'll be playing in different conditions than we're used to and we have a few players who haven't played in Kenya before. But we're confident and I am backing the players to deliver on the pitch."

Kenya have also started the tournament reasonably well, drawing with the Irish and beating Canada comprehensively in King City, Ontario to sit near the top of the pack. A defeat to Zimbabwe XI at Kwekwe is the only major blemish so far and victory over Drummond's men this week would certainly put their campaign back on track.

Maurice Ouma will lead the side and take the gloves, although he will probably relinquish the opening berth with Seren Waters, Rakep Patel and David Obuya all named in the squad. At 38 Steve Tikolo is still a vital part of Kenya's middle order and his nagging off-spinners will also come into the picture at some stage.

The Kenya team is not short on talent. Alex Obanda, Hiren Varaiya, Thomas Odoyo and Jimmy Kamande are all capable of match-winning performances and, on home soil, they will be difficult to beat.