Kenya boosted by Shah's return

Ravi Shah in action during Kenya's remarkable run in the 2003 World Cup © Getty Images

Kenya' preparation for the World Cup have been boosted by the return of 34-year-old Ravi Shah, considered by many to be, along with team-mate Steve Tikolo, among the best batsmen outside Test cricket.

The last of Shah's 44 ODIs was in the 2004 Champions Trophy, more than 28 months ago, since when he has been sidelined by a serious knee injury as well as his increasing business commitments.

But he has been playing local cricket this season with reasonable success, and he has joined Kenya's 30-man training squad ahead of the World Cricket League which starts in Nairobi at the end of January. His return will give much-needed robustness to Kenya's top order, which has been a source of constant worry to the national selectors.