On Wednesday when the Cricket Cranes team that was taking to the camp in Jinja was named, two of the 26 summoned were long-term absentees Juma Miyaji and Cosmas Kyewuta.
The two are Uganda’s opening bowlers, but because of their respective injuries, neither has featured for the Cricket Cranes since July last year.
But as preparations for Uganda’s maiden appearance at the World Cup begin, the two are back in training with the national team.
Whoever is associated with Ugandan cricket knows how paramount it is for both of them to be fully fit. Besides who wouldn’t want to be part of the team that will feature at the World Cup for the very first time?
They are, in that regard, grateful to be back in training with the team and are continuing to dedicate themselves to full recovery.
Day two (Thursday) of the camp saw both players take part in the strength and conditioning sessions, however, Kyewuta was not part of the team’s first two trial games on Friday due to a niggling hip.
What the players said
“We did a test with the physio right after Christmas, and she told me I was 85% fit.” Kyewuta who last featured for the Cricket Cranes in March last year at the Bilateral Qatar Series revealed.
Miyaji, however, took part in both games. The 20-year-old whose last appearance for the Cricket Cranes came in July during the Castle Lite Series in Namibia appeared to have injured his ankle during one of the games, but he was able to continue.
“The recovery for me was successful. I had to follow the right procedures the physio told me to do like exercises that strength my back.”
“I was selected to come to camp to gain the 15% and ultimately my full fitness, therefore I will continue doing whatever it takes for me to be ready for the World Cup.” Kyewuta, determined as always emphasized.
Miyaji, like aforementioned was involved in both games on Friday, and picked three wickets in one of the games. He bowled a combined six Overs, and conceded in total 36 runs.
“I’ve been out for close to three months, and it has helped me recover well. I’ve done all it takes to be fit, and I’m really happy to be back in the team.
“I feel excited that I’ve managed to bowl a few Overs in the last couple of days I’ve been here with the team. It is a good sign for me.” he said.
Looking ahead
The duo with the entire team will continue their residential training in Jinja for another seven days.
The team at the end of this camp will head to India for another 12 days as they await the start of the All-Africa Games in March in Cameroon.
The All-Africa Games will not only give the Cricket Cranes a chance at first silverware this year, the tournament will also act as a fine tuner for them ahead of the World Cup in the West Indies and the United States in June.
The Cricket Cranes already know their group opponents. They will be up against New Zealand, PNG, Afghanistan and hosts West Indies in Group C.
Courtesy Photos
