January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Hemp: There is no reason why we can't win
Hemp: There is no reason why we can't win
The former English County player plundered runs like they were going out of style during last year's 2011 World Cup qualifiers in South Africa where he kept the scorers busy.
Hemp topped the batting averages (185.66), amassed the most runs (557) and thumped three centuries - including a tournament high 170 not out against Uganda.
For added measure he also shared in a record 223-run second wicket partnership with fellow centaurian Stephen Outerbridge (107) in a ninth-place play-off with the Ugandans in Potchefstroom.
Hemp is cautiously optimistic Bermuda can upstage Namibia in their own backyard but admits the task is daunting.
He said: "There is no reason why we cannot win. However, it will be a tough tour against a good team that is very competitive, has been playing together all winter and is obviously used to the conditions."
As usual Hemp intends to give his all on tour and says it's always an "honour" to play for Bermuda.
He added: "I'm always looking to improve and give one hundred percent - that's all anyone can ask of you.
"Hopefully things will go well again but we will have to wait and see. All I can do is work hard."
Bermuda's Intercontinental Shield team has undergone a facelift from the one that lost by seven-wickets to Uganda at the National Sports Centre last August.
Gone are opening bat Terryn Fray, spinner Tamuari Tucker and all-rounders David Lovell and Kevon Fubler.
Returning are seam bowlers Stefan Kelly, Ryan Steede and Jim Wes,t while set to make his senior international debut is the big-hitting Shannon Rayner.
Missing either through injury or personal commitments are the likes of Janeiro Tucker, Glenn Blakeney, OJ Pitcher, Delyone Borden, Dion Stovell and Chris Douglas.
Despite these glaring omissions, Hemp believes his team has batting depth and sufficient firepower in their bowling arsenal to get the job done in Namibia.
Bermuda are in Pretoria, South Africa last where they will train at the High Performance Centre, play two 50 over warm up matches and finally meet up with newly installed national coach David Moore who Hemp rates highly.
He said: "I am certainly looking forward to working with him. He has International experience as a coach so will undoubtedly have a wealth of knowledge to learn from."
On his last visit to Africa Hemp formed an impregnable partnership with deputy Stephen Outerbridge whose game has come on in leaps and bounds.
"Stephen has certainly been growing in confidence for a while now culminating on the last trip to South Africa," he added. "There is now no reason why he cannot go from strength to strength and have a very good career with the national team."
There had been speculation that Hemp would bow out of international cricket following last year's 2011 World Cup qualifiers. But even at 39 the former Warwickshire and Glamorgan cricketer is motivated to play for his country of birth.
He said: "As long as I am enjoying playing and still feel as if I can contribute to the team then I would look to carry on playing. However, the decision will ultimately be down to the BCB who select the team."
Hemp also has not ruled out coaching Bermuda.
"If the opportunity ever presented itself in the future then I certainly would consider it," he added.[[In-content Ad]]
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