08 February 2004	Sunday	16 Zilhaj 1424

BRIDGETOWN, Feb 7: Kenya, surprise semifinalists at 2003 World Cricket Cup, are crying out for more meaningful cricket. The Africans, who are pressing International Cricket Council (ICC) for Test status , arrived in Caribbean for Carib Beer Series with only five days of competitive cricket behind them following their World Cup success last March.

Coach Andy Moles, is not happy with their existing schedule, or lack of it.

"It's very frustrating as a coach to work with players", he said.

"You can see improvement but they just don't have anyone to practise with. We seem to take two steps forward and one step backward all the time. We're looking forward to see if we can possibly get Test status, but we seriously need to play more cricket."

Kenya are lying in sixth place with 16 points ahead of their fifth round match against defending double-crown champions Barbados, starting onSunday in Lucas Street, St Philip.

After leaving Caribbean, they won't be engaged in any serious cricket for another six months when they play India and Pakistan in ICC Champions Trophy, set for September in England.-PPI