Kenya appoint Collins Obuya as new captain ahead of UAE match

The all-rounder replaces Jimmy Kamande, who was sacked after their terrible 2011 World Cup campaign.

NAIROBI // Collins Obuya make his debut as captain of the Kenya cricket team when his side host the UAE for the first round of the Intercontinental Cup later this month.

The all-rounder replaced Jimmy Kamande, who was sacked after their terrible 2011 World Cup campaign, Cricket Kenya said today.

At 29 Obuya, having played 92 one-day internationals for Kenya, is the sole senior player left in the team after the national board decided to call time on the careers of most of the older players after remaining winless in the subcontinent.

Kenya also announced the appointment of their new coach, Michael Hesson of New Zealand.

Obuya will also be the captain for the two limited overs matches that they willplay after the four-day Intercontinental game that starts July 28.

"I am very proud and honoured to captain my country and will do everything I can to ensure performances and results improve," said leg-spinner Obuya, who was Kenya's outstanding performer at the World Cup, including a 98 not out against Australia in Bangalore.

"We have some very good players and some very talented ones coming through our system, so it is an exciting time to develop team and work with the new coach Mike Hesson, and the chairman of selectors Alpesh Vadher," he added.