Moore's track record fills me with hope for the future

WEDNESDAY, SEP. 19: Like most Bermuda cricket fans I was excited to read about the Bermuda Cricket Board’s plans to use the National Academy to develop future national squad players.

In fact, based on the reading I have done regarding our national coach David Moore’s background, this really is his strong suit.

Moore worked with revered Australian coach Bennett King at the famous Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy, a finishing school for young cricketers that has turned out the likes of spin legend Shane Warne, Ricky Ponting and current Australian skipper Michael Clarke. 

Therefore designing such a programme to fit this island’s needs wouldn’t have been too difficult for him.

However, I must confess to being more concerned about the island’s cricket at senior level, especially with the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 3 Tournament being held here next April. 

Let’s be honest, Bermuda’s senior national cricket programme is in the doldrums and has been for some time. The last time we tasted success was under skipper Irving Romaine when we won the ICC Americas Trophy way back in 2006.

But there is absolutely no reason why we have to remain in this position — we have far too many talented cricketers.

 If we can get them to commit to the national programme and gel as a unit, I believe they have the ability to not only compete with the best of the Associate countries but beat them.

For the most part I was pleased with the 45-man training squad the Board announced last week. It is obvious the selectors are looking towards the future, judging by the amount of new faces included.

This is a good thing but I am also glad they had the good sense to keep a few of the more experienced heads around, players such as Janeiro Tucker and Lionel Cann have years of experience and can help guide the younger guys.

I must confess, though, I think their delay in dealing with the controversial David Hemp captaincy issue is a big mistake.

I agree with former Bermuda skippers Wendell and Clay Smith that the time has come for Stephen Outerbridge to take over and the sooner that decision is made the better.

George ‘Recman’ Holdipp is a cricket commentator.