Kenya reward Kallicharran with one-year contract extension

The Kenya Cricket Association has rewarded national coach, Alvin Kallicharran, for his team's successful performances against the touring MCC by giving him an early birthday present in the form of a one-year extension to his coaching contract.

And Kallicharran, who wants the world to know he is reaching a half-century of a different kind this Sunday, is elated.

"I am very, very happy. We won all of our games against our opponents, who are professionals. We didn't just beat them, they were outclassed. The boys are peaking at the right time.

"The general all-round performance was outstanding. Especially with the fielding. It is probably the best they have played and is a good result for all the work the boys have put in. They really give a lot in terms of what we are heading for. They have contributed a lot especially in terms of fitness and training."

In the two interviews the author has conducted with Kallicharran, his genuine pride in over-seeing the team's improvement and getting the best out of individuals was evident in every statement.

"I've also been pleased to develop the talent here. For example, I discovered Jimmy Kamande - saw him playing in a club match and got him into the team."

Kallicharran has also had the local groundsmen try to simulate some of the conditions they will face in England. "None of them has played in England so I arranged for more grass on the wickets."

He rated captain, Asif Karim, as the best perfomer against the MCC, "very under-rated,." while also giving Ravindu Shah and Kennedy Otieno honourable mentions.

Hopefully, Kallicharran's birthday celebrations won't be soured by the team's first up loss to Zimbabwe.