January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Opening act auditions
Tucker and Jackson looking to earn 2007 World Cup spots
But both batsmen had a different destination in mind.
The Southampton Rangers pair, who missed out on ICC Trophy glory in Ireland, suddenly find themselves in pole position to lead Bermuda's batting line-up in the World Cup.
When they take to the wicket against Kenya next week they have a glorious opportunity to stake their claim for a place in the squad for West Indies 2007.
A series of failures by the likes of Delyone Borden, OJ Pitcher, Chris Foggo, Graham Strange and even physio Daniel Morgan has left coach Gus Logie short of options in that department.
He has opted for the experience of Jackson and Tucker for the three-day ICC Continental Cup semi-final clash - the first time either player has featured under the new coach.
Tucker, 29, said he had been working extra hard to improve his game and make sure he was still part of the set up in 2007.
He said he was pleased to be back in his favoured opening position and to be included in the national set up for the first time as a specialist batsman, rather than as a wicket-keeper.
“The coach has given me a chance to prove myself and it's up to me, now.
“I have to take that chance. We have been losing early wickets, now it's my job to contribute at the top of the order.
“I've got to make runs, it's as simple as that. It's any person's dream to represent your country at the World Cup and that is my goal.
“I don't see it as pressure, I just want to go out there and do well.”
He said he was working on reining in his aggressive instincts and playing with more patience and concentration in the three-day game.
Jackson, in superlative form for the all-conquering Rangers this season, is equally determined to take the opportunity with both hands.
“When the time comes around for the World Cup I'll be 40-years old. But that doesn't matter if I'm fit enough.
“The World Cup is an extra motivation for everyone. I'm banking on my club form and my past experience. I just want to do well on this tour for my country and for myself.”
He said he had opened with Tucker many times before and looked forward to renewing the partnership at the top level.
“I do enjoy opening with him. If I see him attacking and getting on top then I can be patient and play the anchor role.
“I think we have a good chance. We've got the nucleus of the squad that qualified for the World Cup and with my experience and Kwame's experience, we should have more depth.
“The sky's the limit but if we fall amongst the stars then we've done okay.”
Bermuda Squad: Clay Smith (captain), Janeiro Tucker, Saleem Mukuddem, Dwayne Leverock, Dean Minors, Ryan Steede, Irving Romaine, Kwame Tucker, Kevin Hurdle, Curtis Jackson, Lionel Cann, Hasan Durham, Kevin Tucker. Manager: Elvin James, Coach: Gus Logie, Physiotherapist: Daniel Morgan
Bermuda face Kenya in Windhoek, Namibia in a three-day game starting on October 23 in the semi-finals of the Intercontinental Cup.
The other semi-final pits the winners of the Europe group, Ireland, against the Asia group winners, the United Arab Emirates, on the same dates (23 - 25 October), with the final taking place from 27 - 29 October.
Kenya defeats Zimbabwe again
The Kenyan cricket team looks strong as it prepares for its match against Bermuda. The team beat Zimbabwe A by 30 runs yesterday in Zimbabwe.
Kenya batted first and scored 117 runs but was bowled out in the 37th over. A fine knock from opener K.O. Otieno put the visitors on good form, but the rest of the lineup collapsed around him.
Luckily, for the Kenyans, Zimbabwe managed 87 runs as they werre bowled in the 27th over with all-rounder Aga claiming three scalps in his 6.4 overs. n[[In-content Ad]]
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