Thursday, July 20 2006 15:22 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Nairobi: Kenyan top-order batsman and wicketkeeper Kennedy Otieno Obuya said Wednesday he was happy to be recalled into the national team for the upcoming ICC Intercontinental Cup against Canada after making up with the authorities.

The 34-year-old veteran player had been left of the 27-member training squad under head coach Roger Harper three weeks ago following his below-par performance during the tour of Bangladesh in March.

He was also dropped for the opening round match of the 2006 ICC Intercontinental Cup tie against the Netherlands in Nairobi in April during which he announced his intentions of quitting international cricket.

But the batsman, only one of three Kenyans to have played in more than 60 ODIS for his country, said he was grateful that the Cricket Kenya selectors had given him another chance and was ready to resume his cricket.

"I am happy for the gesture. I just want to play again," said Obuya at the team's training ground at the Aga Khan sports centre on Wednesday.

Harper said Otieno was an experienced player, whose services were much needed as Kenya prepares for the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies. The player was a member of the team that beat Canada by four wickets in the group phase of the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.

Kenya plays Canada in the ICC Intercontinental Cup in Toronto on July 29 to August 1 in Toronto followed by two one-day international games.

The 15-member team to travel to Canada will however been named on Friday.