Kenya ready to do battle with South Africa

Match facts

	With Dale Steyn out, Monde Zondeki could get a look-in © Getty Images

Big Picture

Two of South Africa's key players in their success over the past year - captain Graeme Smith and Dale Steyn - are unlikely to face Kenya. Following the 4-0 loss to England Mickey Arthur, the coach, had said South Africa would look to build a side for the 2011 World Cup. New faces, such as Ryan McLaren, were given call-ups, and Makhaya Ntini and Andre Nel were axed. However, unfortunately, Kent have refused to release McLaren from his Kolpak contract. With the team desperate to fill the void left by Shaun Pollock's exit, Arthur had picked out McLaren as a suitable back-up.

Whether the new faces play or not, there will certainly be one change for South Africa - offspinner Johan Botha will lead the team in Smith's absence. With Ntini given the boot, South Africa's selectors have sent out a message to the other seniors in the squad - Jacques Kallis, Herschelle Gibbs and Mark Boucher all had a poor run in the ODIs in England. Failures against weaker teams could put them in doubt for Australia.

Kenya beat Zimbabwe during the rain-hit Tri-Nation Tournament at home, but against South Africa, it will be be a matter of competing against a top-level team. They had lost all matches against a visiting Pakistan Academy team, and their batting still largely depends on one man, captain Steve Tikolo. They have played just four ODIs this year, with six games producing no result thanks to the weather. Officials and players have lamented the decline in standards since they made it the semi-final of the 2003 World Cup. They will be assisted by South African Peter Kirsten, who has been appointed their batting coach - his brother Andy is the coach.

Form guide (last 5 completed ODIs, most recent first)

Watch out for

Seren Waters: Eighteen-year-old Waters, an opening bat, made his debut during the recent tri-nation tournament. He scored a patient 41 in his first game, against Ireland, and followed it up with quick 20 against Zimbabwe. The son of David Waters, one of Kenyan cricket's stalwarts, Seren faces a tough ask against a far more potent bowling attack.

Morne Morkel: With Steyn ruled out of Friday's game, and Ntini and Nel out, South Africa's bowling attack will be spearheaded by Albie's younger brother. Morne struggle to pick wickets and keep the runs down in England, but he would be waiting to roll over the Kenyan batsmen.

Team news

South Africa (probable): 1 Herschelle Gibbs, 2 AB de Villiers, 3 Hashim Amla, 4 Jacques Kallis, 5 JP Duminy, 6 Mark Boucher (wk), 7 Justin Ontong, 8 Johan Botha (capt), 9 Albie Morkel, 10 Morne Morkel, 11 Monde Zondeki.

Kenya squad: Steve Tikolo (capt), Thomas Odoyo, Kennedy Obuya, David Obuya, Seren Waters, Alex Obanda, Rakep Patel, Rajesh Bhudiya, Lameck Onyango, Tony Suji, Nehemiah Odhiambo, Elijah Otieno, Jimmy Kamande, Hiren Varaiya, Peter Ongondo, Maurice Ouma.

Stats & Trivia