January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
BDA belongs in 20-20 Classic
Some commentators have questioned the decision to put Bermuda's first team, who kick off the classic against West Indies on Sunday, into a tournament for over-35s.
But for the Trinidadian it’s an opportunity not to be missed.
“These are not has-beens. I think some people believe we are going to be up against 50 and 60-year-olds but a lot of these guys only recently retired from playing international cricket.
“Many of them still play club cricket at a very high level. It is not like we are world 20-20 Champions.
“I don't subscribe to the view that we shouldn't be playing in this event.”
He added that coming up against legends like Joel Garner, Richie Richardson and Colin Croft and having a drink and talking to them afterwards would be invaluable in helping the players develop a winning mentality.
“It’s beautiful. I think any cricketer who is playing around here would want to be involved.
“It is going to be a great atmosphere for us to compete in. This is what we will be up against — packed stands, high-pressured games, a competitive environment. I think people will see how worthwhile this is. It would have been a waste to have this tournament and all these great players here and not take part.”
Logie added that he was pleased with the way his team had taken to the 20-20 format in their first two competitive games in Trinidad earlier this week. “It’s a fast moving game and we talked about some different tactics and I was pleased with the execution.”
He said that while the 20-20 game was different to the longer format he was not concerned that playing the shortened version would hamper his side's well-documented problems with concentration and patience at the wicket. “I’ve seen teams bowled out in 20 overs, so everyone still has to approach it sensibly. They still have to be patient, assess the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition, decide which bowlers they have to go after. It's not just a slog fest.”
Irving Romaine has been retained as captain in the 14-man squad named for the tournament yesterday.
Janeiro Tucker returns to the team after his honeymoon but his temporary absence from the game prompted Logie to relieve him of the captaincy.
The coach stressed that Tucker was still vice-captain to injured Clay Smith and the change was for this tournament only to allow the hard-hitting batsman to ease his way back into competitive cricket.
Team: Irving Romaine (capt), Janeiro Tucker, Dean Minors, Dwayne Leverock, Kevin Hurdle, Lionel Cann, Hasan Durham, Kwame Tucker, Azeem Pitcher, Treadwell Gibbons Jnr, Daniel Morgan, Stephen Bremar Jnr, Saleem Mukuddem, Ryan Steede.[[In-content Ad]]
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