Uganda’s Cricket Cranes: Balancing Wicketkeeper Duties at the T20 World Cup

In T20 cricket, games can change rapidly, demanding coaches to optimize their resources. Unlike wealthier cricket nations, Uganda faces limited options.

Wicketkeeping Strategy at the World Cup

The Cricket Cranes traveled to the World Cup with Fred Achelam as their sole specialist wicketkeeper. This approach suited a four-match tournament with two warm-up games. Simon Ssesazi or Roger Mukasa served as backup keepers. Given the team’s dependence on fielding and bowling, the role of the wicketkeeper was crucial.

Achelam played only one game, showcasing his skills behind the stumps and providing a crucial cameo. Simon Ssesazi, however, was the preferred keeper for three games. Although this puzzled some observers, it wasn’t an unusual strategy.

Adapting for Team Balance

New Zealand adopted a similar strategy, choosing Devon Conway over Tim Seifert as their primary wicketkeeper. This allowed Uganda to include an extra batter and balance their team, filled with all-rounders. For instance, against PNG, Kenneth Waiswa and Brian Masaba batted at numbers 8 and 9, enabled by Ssesazi’s wicketkeeping role. This flexibility extended the batting lineup and provided more bowling options.

Evaluating the Outcome

Despite the smart decisions, Ssesazi didn’t score many runs. Yet, his wicketkeeping met T20 standards. Against strong teams, keepers get fewer opportunities, validating the choice to use Ssesazi for team balance.

Future Considerations

Modern teams often prefer a batter who can keep, over a keeper who can bat, to include an extra batter in the lineup. Looking ahead, the Cricket Cranes might consider promoting Achelam up the order. A clean striker and adept against spin, Achelam could excel in the top three, helping to achieve balance from the start.