Time to reward Kenya?

Time to reward Kenya?

Kenya have left critics with egg on their faces after marching into the World Cup semi-finals.

Do they now deserve Test status?

Kenya began the World Cup as just another one of the minnows, sent to South Africa to make up the numbers.

But the Kenyans followed their convincing wins over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh with a dismantling of Zimbabwe to reach the last four.

Steve Tikolo's team have impressed everybody with their competitiveness and some people believe they should be granted Test status.

What do you make of Kenya's conquests - have they just been lucky? Or is it time to hand them Test status?

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Kenya has pulled some stunning performances down south. Going there as minors who were not even rated as a good team, they managed to beat the odds and earn a well deserved semi-final place and we are proud of them.

I can't believe what I'm reading here

James Bramich

After the World Cup, what's next? They have played great, beat the world's elite, why shouldn't they gain Test status? Giving them the chance to play Test matches will not only improve the way they play but will make them super strong and cunning.

The ICC should allow the Kenyans to play Test matches because this seems to be the only right thing to do.
Kuda, Keswick, Canada

Please stop the hype about Kenya. They are certainly a good team. But they need to beat teams of class like WI, SA, India and Australia to be given any serious consideration.
Surya, Washington D.C, USA

Congratulations Kenya on a great World Cup. However, I can't believe what I'm reading here. Do people really think that losing by five wickets in 32 overs to an injury-riddled team is a resounding endorsement for Test status.

What is their first class (four-day) record? Can they beat Pura Cup or County sides regularly over four days?

A couple of good performances in one-day cricket should not be considered in evaluating Test status. This should be done on the back of their achievements against A Teams and good first class sides over four days. Let's not have another Bangladesh.
James Bramich, Aussie in Ireland

Remember that Kenya were absolutely thumped by the Windies, although it was a game of no real significance. Zimbabwe are in poor shape, Bangladesh are rubbish, and the Sri Lanka victory was a rare one.

Kenya's domestic circuits are extremely poor

Bilal Zaigham

They'd lose at least nine out of every 10 games against them. Kenya should look to develop its cricketing infrastructure with ICC assistance, then let's see where they are in 2008.

To give them Test status now might send them down the Bangladesh road, whose Test status should be withdrawn. It's harsh, but we shouldn't throw these nations in at the deep end.
Kevin Wilson, UK

Kenya has no doubt blown the whole cricket world away as they have reached the semi-final of the World Cup. Many now argue that they should be given Test status, comparing them to their counterparts, Bangladesh, who had an abysmal performance in the World Cup.

However, Test status is not only granted on good performance, but also on the organisation of domestic cricket. The fact remains that Kenya's domestic circuits are extremely poor and they do not have the facilities to host other Test-playing nations in a three or five-Test series.

On the argument that Bangladesh have Test status, I would like to add that they should be the first nation that have their Test status reprieved, due to their dismal performances both in ODI's and in the longer version.

There is another reason why none of these "minnows" should be granted Test status. This is that the current Test-playing countries already have extremely tight schedules and players around the world are complaining about fatigue.

They need it. They have earned it. They deserve it

Eric Tutu, USA

To add Kenya would be to add to the problems already existing. The best way to solve the problem would be to reprieve Bangladesh their Test status and to wait until Kenya have shown that their domestic cricket and their cricket facilities are up to Test standards until they achieve their Test status.
Bilal Zaigham, Sweden/Pakistan

So far they have proved all their critics wrong; why not Test status. They need it. They have earned it. They deserve it.
Eric Tutu, USA

Kenya are the outsiders of the tournament. They are a world better than Zimbabwe and Bangladesh and deserve to be of Test status.
Dan The Man, England

No. Kenya need to prove that they are worthy of Test status over a much longer period of time. Bangladesh were admitted on just such a wave of popular support, and they have shown that they are not capable of competing with ANY of the other Test playing nations.

Kenya, Bangladesh, Holland, Canada, Namibia, and perhaps Ireland, Denmark and Scotland should be given "semi-Test" status, and they should play each other in four and five-day games on a regular basis for a period of eight to 10 years before they are allowed into the Test arena. (And yes, I AM advocating that Bangladesh's status should be re-graded).
Dave Harris, England

In a word, no, but that does not mean the door should be permanently shut. Kenya need to prove their ability to play the longer version of the game.

I suspect that at the moment they wouldn't last much more than two days against an English county, and would do well to avoid being rolled over by an innings by any of the Aussie state sides within a day and a half.

People should learn to give respect where there is due

Amrik Aidan, Punjab

Their efforts in this World Cup should be applauded, but they have a long way to go before Test status should be considered.
Phil Vaughan-Smith, England

Just one or two performances don't make them a competitive team. They have got into in the semis just because of sheer luck. It's a long way for them to attain Test status. They are nowhere near to the three-day matches, and you are talking about five-day matches?
Shabarinath, India

Ever heard of story of sour grapes. Had NZ/England made it to semis they wouldn't be talking about points system. This comes only now. This was decided months before the WC started and was agreed by every team playing here.

Kenya deserves to be there where they are. They have played very well and can no longer be called minnows. They have done well and people should learn to give respect where there is due. Good luck guys.
Amrik Aidan, Punjab, India

Kenya have certainly kept the African flag flying after the unfortunate exit of South Africa and Zimbabwe. They deserve Test status as a reward for their performances but I feel it's too early to do so.

After this success of the Kenyan team, I feel that more will take up the game and in a few years, Kenya should be ready for Test Status, around about 2006/2007. All the best to Kenya!
Gurtegh Singh, Canada

Congratulations to Kenya on some great World Cup performances. They have built an effective and experienced team. However, Test status is not just about fielding their current 11 one-day players on the pitch.

Kenya should replace Bangladesh as a Test-playing nation

Monty, USA

Many of the players are of an age where they will shortly retire. Does Kenyan cricket have the depth and structure to warrant Test status?
Peter, New Zealand

By a combination of luck and sheer hard work the Kenyans are in the semis. Let them perform consistently at this level for at least two years before even considering Test status.

I am really amused by the fact that Kenyans fans are already talking about beating the likes of India and Australia. For the future of good cricket there should be no repeat Bangladesh here...
Ash, India

Kenya should replace Bangladesh as a Test-playing nation. Kenya is on a par with Zimbabwe already and Bangladesh is not even on a par with the Dutch!
Monty, USA

Yes! Kenya have proved they are better than a lot of the current Test nations. I think that cricket should be promoted as a global sport and make a lot more of these minor nations Test teams.
Andrew Edwards, England

Have the ICC ever considered a second tier of Test nations? This would be a way to give countries such as Kenya and perhaps Canada or the Netherlands a transitional stage before they start making the full rounds as a Test nation.

If Kenya aren't worthy of Test status, nor are Zimbabwe, Bangladesh or England

Prasenjit Basu, Indian expat in Singapore

It'd be best to keep the number of full Test nations limited (especially with the new structure in which they all play each other every couple of years), but there should be a middle ground for teams that take the sport seriously.
Beau Dure, USA

What is it these days, with the unholy rush to create champions overnight? Let Kenya wait. One swallow does not a summer make.
Kerwy Garcia, Trinidad and Tobago

Kenya deserve enormous credit for being able to put the ball on the spot and field better than anyone. You cannot begrudge them their situation, but wins over a dismal Bangladesh and a rapidly imploding Zimbabwe, leaving one genuine shock against Sri Lanka, only disguise the fact that they lack the extra edge and talent that would see them compete regularly with Test nations, not to mention any strength in depth beyond this squad.

When we see them chasing 275+ on good pitches against top attacks and producing attacking, wicket taking bowlers we can think again.

Look at Bangladesh and don't do it to Kenya; they need wider experience and investment over the next five or 10 years before Test status can be considered.
Sean, France

Kenya are clearly a world-class side, who have demonstrated their prowess against the world's two best teams (Australia and India), having beaten the other WC semi-finalist and two other Test nations at this WC and two others elsewhere.

They have the finest quartet of spinners in the world today (Collins Obuya, Asif Kareem, Maurice Odumbe, Steve Tikolo), a solid batting line-up (starting with Ravindu Shah and Kennedy Otieno, with a strong middle-order comprising Tikolo, Odumbe, Modi and Odoyo) and a tail that can wag (especially Ongondo and Obuya), plus world-beating fielders whose commitment is already becoming legendary.

Many of their players are quite old, but Odumbe and Tikolo should be around for several more years. And on the strength of his performance against the Aussies, the world has already been deprived the pleasure of watching Asif Karim in his pomp, but the world of Test cricket can wait no longer. If Kenya aren't worthy of Test status, nor are Zimbabwe, Bangladesh ...or England (in the post-Hussain/Stewart era).
Prasenjit Basu, Indian expat in Singapore

I think if you make the semi-finals of the World Cup, that is a huge achievement, and you definitely then deserve Test status.
David Atkins, Australia

I think that Kenya have earned there place in the semis fully, and as captain Steve Tikolo said, we won it with the crowd. And anyway the English criticising the Kenyans, should realise, that Kenya are in the semis and England aren't, so don't criticise, instead support Kenya. They are great and have earned their place. They have shown great promise against Sri Lanka and also against India. They deserve fully where they are.
Joe, Kenya

What sour grapes from England supporters. Kenya did not devise the points system; it's the same for all comers. It's also not Kenya's fault that NZ didn't show, and given Kenya's showing may just have well have beat them. Sri Lanka played there without incident and NZ is hardly the type of nation terrorist's target. It serves NZ and England right for their decision to boycott. Maybe next time they'll resolve to play cricket instead of politics. VIVA Kenya. Go all the way!!
Mambu Kawa, Sierra Leone/USA

It's about time to show the world what Kenya is made of. They will choke the Australians and head to the finals. This will be a slam dunk!!
Paul Nganga, Boston USA

Our boys have done us proud. This is the team to watch. Watch out for the finals. Kenya will definitely be there
Levi, Nairobi, Kenya

A fairy tale? A fluke? Who cares? Kenya are in the semis and deserve to be there. Sri Lanka did not get bombed/killed well at least not off the field so why did the NZ team refuse to come? They will be kicking themselves for not playing in Kenya.

Well all I can say is that they don't need to provide proof of why they should be where they are. Merit comes from perseverance and they have shown it by their gritty determination in their match against Australia.

Hats off to the great Test playing nations who could not manage 150 against Australia and complain about Kenya.
Hitesh, India

Clearly, Kenya has proven their point in world class cricket and their performance against Australia speaks for itself. I think credit has to be given where it's due and Kenya should see it's way to Test status. Bravo guys.
Tom Otobi, Uganda

I think that Kenya are an ok side they have done very well to get this far but I think there days are over when they take on the mighty Aussies.
Matt Bauer, Yorkshire

You have given Kenyan cricket a boost that will hopefully start it on the path to greatness

Bill (Aussie ex-pat), USA

Whatever the critics say, we will enjoy Kenya's wins and look to the future. Those looking backwards to the racist era need to wake up and smell the change in the world. Luck or effort, it is clear that there is cricket talent in Kenya. Maybe this is what was needed to help the game take root in Kenya. Well done boys.
Stephen Gitau, St. Louis MO, USA

Like it or not, the facts are there - NZ is out, Windies are out, England is out - all had equal opportunities and some chose the political way out, any game has its starters and finishers. In a competitive world - you just have to go there and prove yourself. Keep up Kenya - shut up whingers!
P K Githinji, UK

Kenya have worked hard, and while they have had their share of luck, they put themselves in the way of it. They have shown that they deserve respect and that they are no longer among the minnows. It takes more than a good team to get to Test match status, so Kenya as a nation needs to look to its home competition and player development arrangements.

If it wants visiting teams, it must also look to its terrorism problems. If Kenya can get those things right, this team has given Kenya the inspiration to go on to great things, and the taste of success. It will take time and effort, but they will make it.

Well done, Kenya! The real job is in front of you, but you have given Kenyan cricket a boost that will hopefully start it on the path to greatness.
Bill (Aussie ex-pat), USA

For Graham, London... Terrorist attacks are taking place all over the world including the UK. This is no excuse to avoid playing in Kenya. Presently, matches were played in Kenya without any attacks. Even if they (NZ) had played Kenya, NZ would have lost. Kenyan played the Aussie attack very well today.
Gajanan, USA

Go Kenya you guys are just awesome. Yes I've seen you play all the way - even at Gymkhana - AWESOME!!!
Laina, USA

Graham assumes New Zealand would have beaten Kenya. And talking about luck, wasn't it luck that got New Zealand to the Super Sixes. They should have lost to South Africa had it not rained. It was rain again that cut the SA and Sri Lanka match to a draw. They have been a disgrace in the super sixes after convincing losses to India and Australia. Kenya have shown more grit and class.
A. Shah, USA

Good job guys!! Keep up the good work!
Amit, Cincinnati, USA

I am disappointed with the negative and bitter comments aimed at the Kenyan team over the fact they have progressed this far

Rob, Durham

Was it not hypocrisy for New Zealand to boycott due to so-called terrorist threat when it occurs in developing countries? Matches were not boycotted due to IRA activities in England. World Cup is about performance on the day and for the duration of the World Cup, not past performances. Well done Kenya!
Jay, Guildford

Cynicism is cheap, and that's why the performance of the Kenyan team is getting an overdose from people whose very being thrive on negating anything African. If it is divine intervention, then it's about time! All I can say to the boys is - win or lose, just have fun.
Kitche Magak, Kisumu, Kenya

The Kenya cricket team have accomplished the incredible through hard work and determination! Special thanks go to Steve Tikolo, who has clearly done such a superb job in every way as skipper.

This tournament has proved beyond any doubt that there is wonderful cricketing talent in Kenya. The new Kenya government must now sit up and recognize these achievements by giving the team a heroes welcome, and committing to help further develop cricketing talent at all levels in Kenya.
James Archer, Churchtown, Pennsylvania

Today's Kenyan resistance against Australia proves that Kenya does deserve some respect.
Ashok, NH, USA

I am pleased with the way Kenya have performed in the World Cup. Some people say that we do not even deserve to be in the Super Six stage.

I must say this destructive criticism is pointless. I think it is about time English cricket lovers addressed their own domestic problems. I recall the previous World Cup was held in England, yet they could not make it beyond the preliminary stage.

There is no point in having lots of money to fund a sport if your players lack the 'killer instinct' to succeed. I suppose that explains why the Australians are so dominant in sports. The English seem to be in sports purely for the pay.

Stop the racist jibes and clean up your own act.
Gachane, London

I am disappointed with the negative and bitter comments aimed at the Kenyan team over the fact they have progressed this far in the World Cup. Fact - they beat three Test nations to get where they are today and it is also a fact that everyone knew the rules at the outset. You cannot blame the Kenyans for adhering to them.

Would we in the UK accept the viewpoint that a sporting team should not come here because of the terrorist threats posed or the situation in Northern Ireland? Of course not, because we are a parochial, anally retentive, nation who believes all the bad things happen abroad.

Well done Kenya, you deserve Test status.
Rob, Durham

If India bat first and Kenya manage to bundle them out for less than 225, it won't be surprising to see the biggest upset in cricketing history. Kenya impressed all by their batting against a strong Australian side.
Sanjiv Pandit, Nepal

The critics should now keep silent and appreciate the Kenyans' achievements in this World Cup

Rajo, UK

Almost gave Aussies a scare!! Well done Kenya¿ and show the Indians how cricket is played!! GO KENYA!!!
Tuzo, Kenya

They are not pretenders anymore but legitimate contenders. At this point we have nothing to lose. Keep making those big unbwogable statements Kenya. India, ignore us at your own peril.
Duncan, NJ, USA

Well played Kenya! Although a loss to Australia was inevitable, the performance by the Kenyans was absolutely professional. Keep the spirit going and Test status will come. All the critics should now keep silent and appreciate the Kenyans' achievements in this World Cup.
Rajo, U.K

I can't believe the number of people who are still complaining about Kenya's semi-final entry. Why do you even invite teams to play in CWC, if you want four teams that you like to play in semis?

The Kenyans have no stars who have shown more discipline and enthusiasm towards the game than the 'big' nations. Rather than appreciating that cricket is becoming more global, people are whining about their success.

As for their cricketing abilities, they beat Sri Lanka and scared India, teams which beat NZ convincingly. Not to mention bowling out Zimbabwe for 130-odd, while NZ got spanked for 60 in three overs.
Atul, USA

Kenya has given notice of its arrival on the world stage at this World Cup. As soon as Kenya can demonstrate that they have a pipeline of up-and-coming players, solid management, and an infrastructure to support a professional international team, they should be given Test status.

I believe Test status should be given to countries that can sustain a program, and hopefully Kenya is edging ever closer to that end. I look forward to the day Kenya reaches Test status.
Hiten, ex-Kenyan, USA

I am a big fan of Kenyan cricket but am not sure they are quite at the stage to make the step up to Test level. I feel a process of consolidation is needed in the short-term. However, the future is bright with the poor form of Bangladesh.
Chris p, Scotland

England should be relegated as a Test playing nation and the Kenyans given a chance.
Anil, UK

Rather than elevate Kenya maybe we should demote Zimbabwe and Bangladesh?

Greg, Australia

I am very proud of the performance of this African nation and their performance should augur well for the future of cricket in eastern Africa as well as on the African continent. However, I believe that a main ingredient of their success to date is their hunger to win and do well in cricket at this level. I wish them continued success and they have my support.
RoseAnn Richards, Barbados

Countries like Sri Lanka and New Zealand used to be the whipping boys of cricket; their growth has come after they were granted Test status. Kenya has the talent just not the funds to keep the talent. Giving them Test status will ensure the funds. If Bangladesh has Test status then Kenya, having beaten the West Indies, India, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, definitely deserve it.
A Shah, USA

Congratulations to Kenya. They are a better team than either Bangladesh or Zimbabwe. But rather than elevate Kenya maybe we should demote Zimbabwe and Bangladesh? One can only shudder at what the result might be when Australia finally plays a Test match against the 'deshis!
Greg, Australia

Full credit must be given to Kenya for their wins over Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. However, at the same time it should not be forgotten that Kenya were absolutely mauled by South Africa and the West Indies, both of whom have long disappeared from the tournament. Kenya is not ready for Test status, and neither is Bangladesh.

The ICC should help both countries develop their domestic structures. Both countries should have their under-19 teams play against their counterparts from the major Test nations, and the senior team should play against 'A' teams of Test nations. If this course of action is implemented both countries may be capable of Test status by the time the next World Cup comes around.
Muhammad Wijdan, Pakistan/UK

Go Kenya you have made all of us in east Africa proud. Concentrate on the one day game first and in a few years time you can play Test. After all, one day is more interesting anyhow.
Iddy, Tanzania

Yes, they are a good team.
Harsha, India

The ICC has already made a big mistake by giving Bangladesh Test status and they should not do it again with Kenya

Rabia, Canada

Let's not make the same mistake that was made with Bangladesh. Start with A tours and invitations to more limited-over tournaments and probably by 2005 we should look at a full Test status if they do consistently well.

ICC, don't make a joke out of it as you did with Bangladesh. It is neither good for cricket or for the country.
Gary, Dubai

The ICC has already made a big mistake by giving Bangladesh Test status and they should not do it again with Kenya. If possible the ICC should take away the Test status from Bangladesh and give it to Kenya as Bangladesh are getting worse rather than improving and they are not better than any club side.
Rabia, Canada

Kenya have certainly proved they have both the determination and capability to play Test standard cricket. So give them the chance they deserve.
William Campbell Clause, UK

Kenya are the best. They deserve Test status. They are cricketing heroes. Bring on Oz
Fred hills, Swaziland

Yes, but they need plenty of financial support to build up their facilities and the interest amongst the local population. Kenyans are naturally talented athletes and have a very positive attitude to new projects and I think they will be successful. They deserve all the support they can get.
David John Yates, UAE

First reaction was wait and see so that they do not become the next Bangladesh. But now I am beginning to wonder, especially with the way they played against India, which was more impressive than some of their wins... what if their success continues????
Phillip Allan, Scotland

Kenya should have got Test status four years ago

Wanjala Wachana, Seattle, USA

Yes. Indeed. The way they beat Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe proves that their level has risen to Test status!!!
John Ogilla, Kenya

Kenya has surpassed all expectations in this World Cup. Their performances have been steady and disciplined rather than flashy. In Collins Odoya they have an excellent leg-spinner. They definitely deserve Test status. Good luck Kenya.
Ranjit Nair, Birmingham, England

Test status for Kenya? Absolutely. Kenya has proved herself not just through this World Cup, but also in the previous one. The critics who question Kenya's firepower should look at the history of those countries with Test status.

None of them had the likes of the Kenyan record before they were given the Test status. It's oblivious to equate Kenya to Bangladesh. If anything, Kenya should have got Test status four years ago. To the critics, Kenya is set to take the World Cup trophy just to prove them wrong. Long live Tikolo boys!
Wanjala Wachana, Seattle, WA. U.S.A

We are happy that the Kenyan cricket team is now in the quarter-finals. We are proud of you. You have proved that you deserve the Test status. Go on and beat the Indian team. You have done it before and you can also do it again. BRAVO.
james ng'ang'a, Eldoret, Kenya

We are definitely "unbwogable" and hence I feel we should be rewarded with Test status in order to improve the sport. Bring on India!!!
Byron, Kenya

Well done Kenya you have shown to the world that cricket is not a one man game but a team game in which every person on the field does his part to the best of his ability. I should add that the Kenyan coach Mr Sandeep Patil has made this team with love and care and I hope they do not break up after this World Cup. Keep going ahead and do not look back at your mistakes.
Selvan Shiv Kumar, India

Congratulation to Kenya for their show in this World Cup. But they're still not strong enough to be a Test team, that is reality.
Niraj, Nepal

Cricket is such a game that it needs not only ability and talent but also luck. In the case of Kenya, this is not the first time in the history of the cricket that a team is progressing because of luck. It happened many times. In the 1992 World Cup, 1996 World Cup, even in 1999 World Cup.

I think the Kenyans are talented. They are the rookies. They are working hard. I think they should be given Test status. Best of luck Kenya.
Vijay, NY, USA

Test cricket status will be a great boost to Kenyan cricket, but whether they can cope with it is another matter. One of the reasons why Bangladesh is struggling is due to the early granting of Test status.

I think with the current political problems with the selectors, this is not the time to be thinking about Test status.

Other factors such as aging players, retirement of Sandip Patil as coach, players striking due to payment issues and selection of players such as Hitesh Modi, who never perform and are in the team due to other factors, also need to be looked into.

Test status should not be an automatic reward for them

Sanjiv, UK

Also, the fact that top players such as Colins Obuya quitting the side due to inadequate financial support will greatly affect the team's performance. I think ICC should think things through thorougly before granting Kenya Tests status. The last thing we want is to end up like Bangladesh.
JUP, Kenya

Yes, Kenya deserve Test Status - we've proved it, bring on the Australians.
Robert Onyango, Kenya

Kenya have proved themselves. The biggest achievement is giving India a scare; they won with only 13 balls to spare. Give them status!
George G.M, Kenya

Kenya have done fantastically well at this World Cup and, with a bit of luck, have got their just desserts. Those who continue to belittle their achievement just come across as bitter and jealous.

Having said that, Test status should not be an automatic reward for them. Infrastructure and depth of talent need to be assessed. Bangladesh are an example to everyone that a country not yet ready for the elevation can be an embarrassment to this great sport.

If Kenyan cricket, as a whole, is ready, then, and only then, should they be granted Test status. Until then they should continue to gain the experience that is getting them more and more recognition.
Sanjiv, UK