Kenya captain: victory is vital for the future of Kenyan cricket by CricketArchive

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Player:	RG Aga
Event:	ICC Inter-Continental Cup 2004

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Kenya captain: victory is vital for the future of Kenyan cricket
From ICC Media Release

 

In the first of a series of interviews with captains of the ICC Intercontinental Cup semi-finalists, Kenya’s Rageb Aga explains his side’s aspirations for the three-day first-class tournament in the United Arab Emirates.

 

Interview with Kenya Captain Rageb Aga

Q: How important is the ICC Intercontinental Cup to your team?
A: It is vital for the future of Kenya cricket. It is important that Kenya shows its potential and does well. The bigger picture for Kenya is attaining Test status and winning this tournament will be a stepping-stone towards achieving this goal.

 

Q: Do you think playing three-day international cricket has benefited your team?<
A: Yes, it has taught us skills that will help us, skills that can be applied to both types of cricket. It has helped us improve things like working batsmen out, bowling them out and working to a plan, for example bowlers working to an extended plan where they bowl spells of 20-30 overs. Batsmen have to learn patience and shot selection as this version of cricket requires batting for long periods, constructing an innings and occupying the crease.

 

Q: How do the tactics for the three day game differ from limited overs cricket?
A: It is all about patience and who will crack first, the bastman or the bowler? It is a very mental and tactical game, setting fields for different batsmen, working the batsmen out and bowling to their weaknesses. Batsmen must construct innings and play for the team by waiting for the bad ball and putting it away and being prepared to leave the ball. In One-Day International games it is getting the runs at a targeted rate that counts.

 

Q: Can you remember the first time you played ‘declaration cricket’ (ie not limited overs), where was it, how many wickets/runs did you get? A: The first time was in the Caribbean in the Carib Beer series 2004 against Guyana. I bowled well - 31 overs, 4 wickets for 71 runs – but my batting was not too good - 3 and 12 in each innings.

 

Q: What were the highlights of the qualifying matches? A: It was good to be part of the team that beat Uganda by an innings, but my highlight was playing against Namibia in Kenya with a very inexperienced side and with all the work to do. As a team we did what was necessary to qualify which was a very emotional but satisfying experience.

 

Q: What are your strengths as a team? A: We have a blend of youthful exuberance and experience. We are a team willing to take up any challenge and a team willing to work for each other.

 

Q: Have you made any special plans for any of the opposition? A: We’ve already discussed ways to go about playing Scotland, doing the basics is paramount. As for any special plans, you'll just have to wait and see.