---

The fastest, fiercest, most aggressive bowler in Bermuda - controversial pace ace George O'Brien - is back.

And the 22-year-old St David's speedster, who was among the national team hopefuls training at Saturday's open day, is determined to prove he has the ability, the fitness and the commitment to make it to the top.

O'Brien, axed from the national set-up late last year after the cricket board questioned his work ethic, said he wanted to put past differences behind him and concentrate on being a part of a bright future for Bermuda cricket.

National coach Gus Logie said he had spoken to the young fast bowler and was delighted to have him back on board.

He said O'Brien should be on a 25-30 man training squad to be announced by the selectors next week.

The bowler, for his part, says simply: "I just want to play cricket. I love playing cricket and representing my country."

O'Brien, in his first interview since being kicked off the team insisted the matter was now history and he was determined to do his best for Bermuda

"I spoke to the coach and to Neil (Bermuda Cricket Board CEO - Speight) and they pretty much wanted me to go back. All that other stuff is in the past."

O'Brien said it had been tough watching his closest friends OJ Pitcher and Delyone Borden playing on the world stage while he sat at home.

"I talk to them every day.

"It's inspirational to hear some of the stuff they went through, particularly Delyone, as a fellow bowler.

"Bowling to some of those guys like Flintoff and Dhoni and taking wickets. He said it was a whole different level from the Americas'.

"I'd like to bowl against those guys and see where I'm really at.

"I've had a little bit of that kind of experience when I was in Australia, bowling to guys like Matthew Hayden in the nets. I've had a taste of bowling to them, but not in game situations."

During and after the World Cup, coach Logie expressed concerns that his team were a little 'starstruck' or 'overawed' by their illustrious opponents.

But O'Brien is a player who doesn't worry too much about reputations.

And that, as much as his pace and aggression, is something he feels he can bring to the team as they aim to qualify for the 2011 World Cup.

"It's exciting to watch me bowl. I like bouncing guys and I'm not scared to have a little gesture or a little word with the batsman afterwards.

"Nothing too much though," he added - careful to emphasize that his naturally aggressive fast bowlers instincts would not get out of hand.

O'Brien, who broke his leg in a pick-up soccer game just days after losing his place in the cricket squad, said Saturday's workout was the first time he had really bowled since the injury.

"It was still a little painful at times, but it felt good bowling. I was glad to be back.

"I definitely need to work on my fitness for the level that we are at.

"If I was to make the next World Cup I'd be able to bowl faster and for longer than I can at the moment."

Another area O'Brien is working on is his batting. He went through a lengthy net session on Saturday and feels he has the potential to play a bigger role with the bat.

"My batting has always been there. Logie gave me a few chances to bat - I opened a couple of times with the national team.

"I just need more of a chance to show people I can bat.

"I'm going to push to be in the team. I just need to put in the extra work."

Logie added that O'Brien could have a big future with Bermuda.

"George has been there before - he's performed at that level before. His quality has never been in question as a cricketer - he knows that.

"He understands what has to be done. We are happy to have him on board.

"The selectors will meet and his name will be on the table."

Logie urged O'Brien and all the other national team hopefuls to stay committed and put in the necessary work in the gym and outside of training.[[In-content Ad]]

---