Jones returns for West Indies series

All-rounder Malachi Jones is back in the national fold and could feature in a tri-series against Canada and a West Indies A team in Toronto.

Bermuda is scheduled to travel to Canada for the tournament next month, the Bermuda Sun can reveal.

They will be boosted by the return of one of the island’s most talented young cricketers.

Jones appears to have settled his differences with coach David Moore after being kicked off the squad during the ICC Americas tournament.

The 21-year-old was punished after ­playing for his club side Willow Cuts on a scheduled rest day during the international tournament in May.

Injury

But he has been back in national squad training since Cup Match, where he starred for Somerset, blasting a half-­century and picking up four wickets ­during a fiery spell of fast bowling.

Jones’ return to the squad is a welcome boost after experienced all-rounder Janeiro Tucker ruled himself out of the Toronto trip.

The 35-year-old, who led Bermuda to 2007 ICC World Cup qualification, is ­skipping the tour to allow a bothersome knee injury more time to heal.

Despite undergoing surgery last year, Tucker continues to be plagued by ­tendonitis in his left knee.

The Southampton Rangers player/ coach’s injury flared up during his team’s recent Premier 50 over championship clinching win over Bailey’s Bay, with the veteran player clearly experiencing ­discomfort during a swashbuckling knock of 54.

Tucker’s absence from the senior national team will now pave the way for others to test their skills at that level.

He said: “It’s a good opportunity for the guys coming back into the team like Dion Stovell and others who haven’t played in an international game like this.

“At least the coach gets to see who can do what in different game situations and stuff like that.”

Tucker believes next month’s commitment in Canada can only enhance Bermuda’s 2015 ICC World Cup qualifying preparations.

He said: “It’s a good stepping stone which will allow coach Moore to get another look at some of the players he may pick in his World Cup qualifying squad. That’s what this tour is all about.”

Toronto has proven to be happy hunting ground for Tucker in the past.  

The veteran player stroked a century (123) in a match-winning century partnership with Dean Minors against Canada in the Intercontinental Cup at Toronto Cricket, Skating and Curling Club five years ago.

But since appearing in the 2007 ICC World Cup, Tucker has been dogged with injury.

Concerns

He sat out Bermuda’s four-day Intercontinental Shield match with United Arab Emirates at the National Sports Centre earlier this summer to rest his knee — but returned to the squad for the Twenty/20 series with the visitors.

The prolific middle order bat has already informed national coach Moore about his injury concerns that have put paid to any hopes of taking part in the upcoming tri-series.

Next month’s tournament is tentatively scheduled to be held at the Maple Leaf Cricket Club Ground in King City.

Tucker also missed Bermuda’s tri-series with Canada and Chris Gayle’s West Indies in Toronto two years ago.

Along with fellow veterans Dwayne ‘Sluggo’ Leverock, Irving Romaine and Lionel Cann, Tucker’s wealth of ­experience could prove essential to Bermuda’s hopes of qualifying for the 2015 ICC World Cup.