'I'm looking to do Bermuda proud'

Damali Bell capped a memorable year of cricket by earning a call to senior national duty.

The 18-year-old all-rounder is among the new faces in David Moore’s squad that will embark on a gruelling five-match tour of Dubai later this month.

The nephew of Hall of Fame cricketer Calvin ‘Bummy’ Symonds put his cricket ambitions on hold for two-years to concentrate on a football career at Boulevard Blazers.

But after being persuaded by his family he decided to return to the cricket arena where his game has come on in leaps and bounds.

Despite his still tender years, much will be riding on the youngster’s shoulders when coach Moore’s men face off with fellow ICC Associates United Arab Emirates in Dubai.

And Bell reckons he’s up for the challenge.

He said: “I think it will be a good opportunity for me to improve myself. I am really pleased to be added to the team, it just shows that they (selectors) have some confidence in me. Hopefully I can do my best and do Bermuda proud.”

Earlier this year Bell claimed four wickets on his Eastern Counties debut to demonstrate the enormous potential he possesses.

He added: “I think this was one of my best seasons. I really wasn’t playing cricket all of this time as I was more focused on my football.”

Another youngster poised to make their senior national team debut is 15 year-old PHC cricketer Kamau Leverock — nephew of left arm spinner Dwayne ‘Sluggo’ Leverock.

Unlike Bell, though, Leverock was drafted in as a late replacement for Bailey’s Bay player Terryn Fray.

National coach Moore is optimistic the pair can rise to meet the challenge in Dubai.

Youth movement

He said: “I do believe that the two younger guys Leverock and Bell have got a great deal of ability.

“They are very good young cricketers, very fit and so it shouldn’t be a big jump although it is going to be a challenge because international cricket is much different to playing domestic cricket.”

Moore hopes the young pair will make the most of their opportunity to showcase their talents at the senior international level.

He added: “This is what it’s all about, it’s all about them getting an opportunity and once they’ve got their opportunity it’s all up to them.”