Maurice Odumbe has appealed to cricket's governing body, the International Cricket Council, to allow give them more exposure to cricket at international level.

His plea comes after Kenya were thrashed by India in their latest match in the triangular one-day series in South Africa - India won by 10 wickets on Friday.

The emerging nation has played just 39 one-day internationals since making its debut in February 1996 against India and six of those matches were played against Bangladesh.

Blow to morale

They have won just seven of those games and recorded one no-result.

The country has also played 38 limited-overs ICC Trophy games against minor opposition since 1982.

"We've simply got to play more games," Odumbe said.

"I know that people are saying that we don't belong but if the ICC are serious about promoting cricket we've got to play more tournaments.

"Everyone playing the game today, even the strongest sides, had to start somewhere and it's the same for us.

"Our morale has definitely take a big blow. Even the senior players like myself are feeling the pressure.

"We know that people are watching us and coming to negative conclusions.

Encouragement

"We're just going to have to get drunk tonight and put this game behind us. We've got to make sure we don't do the same when we play South Africa."

Kenya were given a boost when ICC high-performance manager Bob Woolmer arrived in time to see their crushing defeat by India.

The former South Africa coach has agreed to stay with the team for the remainder of the series.

India captain Sourav Ganguly also offered encouragement to Kenya.

"They are a weaker side and they didn't play well, but they need to be given a chance at this level," he said.