09 August 2004	Monday	22 Jamadi-us-Saani 1425

NAIROBI, Aug 8: Kenyan cricket selectors on Sunday dropped leg spinner Collins Obuya and included controversial former captain Maurice Odumbe in the 14-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy in England in September.

The 23-year-old Obuya underwent an operation for a swollen appendix a week ago but declared himself fit to play again after two weeks. He said he was disappointed with the decision to leave him out of the team.

"It is not easy to recover immediately after an appendix operation. We will not be sure about his fitness," said chief selector Harilal Shah. In the absence of Obuya, experienced Odumbe, who is still facing charges of inappropriate contact with an Indian bookmaker will bowl his off-spin - that is if the ICC don't find him guilty over the charges and they are due to deliver their verdict around August 16.

He could face a minimum two-year suspension or a life ban, as well as a fine, if found guilty. Pace man Josephat Ababu has been recalled to the squad after a two-year absence after impressing the selectors with his penetrating bowling against the visiting Pakistan A in the four-day match which ended in draw on Sunday.

Ababu, who bowled nine maidens and conceded just 49 runs in his 212 spells made his name by taking the wicket of former Zimbabwean all-rounder Niel Johnson with his first ball in Nairobi in 1999.

Three youngsters have also been included in the side. They are batsmen Ragheb Aga and Malhar Patel and medium pacer Morris Ouma. The team will play a triangular series against India A and Pakistan A starting on August 11.

THE KENYAN SQUAD FOR THE ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY IS: Steve Tikolo (captain), Kennedy Obuya (vice-captain), Ravindu Shah, Hitesh Modi, Maurice Odumbe, Ragheb Aga, Malhar Patel, Peter Ogondo, Josephat Ababu, Martin Suji, Thomas Odoyo, Morris Ouma, Lamech Onyango, Tony Suji. -AFP