Tikolo Ready For England

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Tikolo - eyeing the next round.

By Richard Gibson, PA Sport, St Lucia

Captain Steve Tikolo insists there is no inferiority complex as Kenya attempt to pull off another World Cup shock against England.

Kenya were disposed of in clinical manner by New Zealand on Tuesday, failing to produce the kind of showing that helped them on their way to the semi-finals in 2003.

They have the nucleus of that side here in the Caribbean, where the slow pitches suit their style of play.

"We feel confident in each game we go to play, whether it be a Test nation or an ICC team," said Tikolo, ahead of the clash at Beausejour.

"That is why we are here, otherwise we would be at home.

"It is not going to be that easy for England, we are looking to go out and play our best cricket.

"It is an important game for both teams, whoever wins qualifies for the second round and we have been practising towards this game.

"We didn't do too well against New Zealand but the guys have been practising towards achieving better goals. We just want to do the little things right."

Kenya's fielding was sub-standard in their 148-run loss to New Zealand, something that annoyed coach Roger Harper, the former West Indies player who was one of the best fielders in international history.

Numerous catches went down in the early stages of New Zealand's innings.

"That was one area where we know we definitely should have given a much better display," said Harper.

"We were disappointed with the all-round performance we put up on that day and we are looking for a much better one.

"I can't tell what England will do or think, we have to focus on how we intend to do and if we perform as well as we are capable of we will have a good chance of winning the game."

As well as veterans like Tikolo and Thomas Odoyo, who have each played at four World Cups, Kenya include next-generation players like batsman Tanmay Mishra and left-arm spinner Hiren Varaiya.

"Naturally it is good to have young players of some quality in the team because they can learn from the senior guys who have experience of World Cups," said Harper.

"They also bring fresh legs, youthful enthusiasm and energy into the team. "You need a balance and so that is good. Some of the young players back home can look at what has been achieved and be inspired by it."