OJ says he's learning to deal with pressure

FRIDAY, JULY 22: Leading Bermuda into battle has always been a dream of star all-rounder OJ Pitcher.

The St David’s Islander believes it is an “honour” to captain your country and said he would gladly take on the role if the opportunity were to present itself.

“That’s every cricketer’s dream… to play for your country first and then be captain if you get the opportunity. It would definitely be an honour to captain my country.”

Pitcher is currently enjoying a successful stint as captain of Premier side St David’s who have ruled domestic Twenty20 cricket with an iron fist in recent years.

It is perhaps his ability to get the best out of his players that make him a potential candidate for the future captaincy of Bermuda.

The top cricketer is currently in Florida representing Bermuda at regional World Twenty20 qualifiers.

At age 28 he is one of the more senior players in the team who takes his role very seriously — perhaps too seriously some may say.

“As one of the senior players in the team you know you always have to perform and at times that can put added pressure on yourself. Sometimes you can put that added pressure on yourself when you shouldn’t.

“There are times when the coach (David Moore) has to tell me ‘to go out there, free my mind and play my normal game’.

“To be honest, that’s something I also have to deal with at my club back home. I feel at times I have to perform and if I don’t we may not do as good.”

The 2007 ICC World Cup veteran is among those who reckon Bermuda has a bright cricket future up ahead.

“I definitely believe we have a bright future. We have a good team and the guys that have recently come into the squad have pulled their weight — even if they haven’t been on the field.

“Just little things like bringing the water to the players and stuff like that all helps towards the team.”

Pitcher also has high expectations for promising Bermuda teammates Joshua Gilbert, Damali Bell and Kamau Leverock.

“To be so gifted at that age, Bermuda definitely has a bright future in these young players. Hopefully there are other young prospects that want to emulate these guys and be just as good.”

The 2006 Cup Match MVP is delighted to be back wearing the national kit after missing the World Cricket League Division Two in Dubai earlier this year through school commitments.

“It feels really good to be back in the team. A lot of us grew up together and so the unity amongst us is great.

“The dedication of the players in this team right now is amazing. Nobody is complaining and we all now what we have to do.

“We are all here to play cricket and the harmony and unity that we have is nice to see.”