Coach Gus Logie acknowledged last night that the early dismissal this morning of Kenya’s influential captain Steve Tikolo would be crucial if Bermuda were to battle their way back into the Intercontinental Cup match at Nairobi’s Gymkhana ground.

Tikolo, who has scored more runs in the history of Kenya cricket than any other player, including a majestic 220 against Bermuda in Namibia last year, was still at the crease, unbeaten on 45 at stumps, with the hosts trailing Bermuda’s total of 133 by just eight runs with seven wickets in hand.

“Tikolo is the main man, if we can get him out obviously we have a better chance,” said Logie.

“We do need to get him early. We know what he can do. But it would be nice to get an early four or five wickets.

“He’s certainly the trump card for them. Once he’s there, they all seem to bat well around him.

“But (Saleem) Mukuddem has shown what he can do today, he bowled very well. The other guys will also have to step it up tomorrow.” Disappointed but not despondent, Logie added: “I don’t think it was the best of starts for us. I think we’re still trying to find our feet, but there’s still three days to go.

“Certainly we have to bat better in the second innings. Our application today was not what we expected.

“At the end (Dwayne) Leverock showed what can be achieved if you play straight, are focused and prepared to be patient.

“There was a bit of movement and a bit of turn, but that has to be expected on a first day wicket. We have to regroup, we’ve done it before. I have no doubt we can do it again, it’s early days.” With skipper Clay Smith picking up an injury yesterday, Logie admitted the growing casualty list was of some concern.

“Those injured are some of our most experienced players and it does leave us a little thin,” said the coach.

“Clay has strained his leg, but we hope that after the treatment he gets from the physio tonight, he’ll be alright to bat again.

“As for leaving out Kevin (Hurdle) and Irving (Romaine), it was a precautionary measure. We thought a few more days off would help them both recover. They should be okay for the one-day games.” Tikolo, meanwhile, said his side would be pushing for a substantial lead when play resumes this morning.

“We’re looking to bat through the whole of tomorrow,” he said. “It’s possible. If we get our heads down and play the correct shots I think we can do just that.” As for emulating the double-century he scored against Bermuda last year, the skipper said: “If it comes I’ll take it. But I play one ball at a time.”