WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1: Lionel Cann is counting on St George’s experience to help guide the Blue and Blue to victory over Cup Match.
The explosive batsman, who has been pressed into service as captain for St George’s is going to stick to his normal routine today before the game in Somerset over the next two days.
Cann said: “We have a strong, balanced team with a lot of senior players who have played for Bermuda and have experience playing in Cup Match. They are used to playing in front of big crowds.
The captain said Treadie Gibbons will opening the batting for the Cup holders and probably partner with wicketkeeper Jason Anderson.
“But if we field first and Jason needs a little rest then we have other options.”
Cann said Fiqre Crockwell or Glenn Blakeney might then be called upon to open the batting.
The skipper said it’s no secret that Stefan Kelly his number one bowler and will open with the new ball for St George’s.
“On the day we’ll look at the wicket and decide who will bowl with him. If it’s a nice fast bouncy wicket, we’ll open up with Justin (Pitcher) because of his height and the bounce that he’ll get.
“If there’s no bounce in the wicket, then we’ll open with Stefan and Kyle (Hodsell).”
Cann said job number one is to win, then retain the Cup failing that. He added: “It doesn’t matter if the game is being played in Somerset or St George’s — I don’t believe in home field advantage.
We’re in Bermuda — this is all our home.
“I love playing at Somerset just like I love playing at St George’s. The same fans will be there for Cup Match.”
Cann said he really does not have a pre-Cup Match ritual as he tries to live his life as normal as possible. The only exception is to try and spend more time with his family since he will be away from them so much during Cup Match.
“That will also help give me strength and support leading up to Cup Match.
“Then I’ll socialize with the team and have a couple of wines. I don’t confine myself as what anyone knows is that too much idle time leads to over thinking. I just try and stick to my routine.
“I just want to play this match in a good spirit and hopes it brings the country together.
“This is the best holiday in the world.
“We have a lot of young people on both teams playing Cup Match and they should be an inspiration to other young people. And hopefully they can see what our great heritage has brought forth.”