---

Two-time Cup Match MVP OJ Pitcher is almost certain to miss this year's Classic because of school commitments.

Pitcher, who played pivotal innings for St. George's in 2006 and 2007, falling just short of a century on both occasions, is away finishing his college education in the States and is unlikely to play.

Lionel Cann, who will return as skipper of the east enders with St. George's opener Oronde Bascome likely to be his deputy, said Pitcher would be a big miss for the holders.

"He had to go back to finish school. He has exams around Cup Match time and it doesn't look like he's going to be able to play.

"As it stands right now he says he won't be back.

"Personally I think he is a good enough player for us to fly him back for the final trial game and then fly him in on Wednesday night to play Cup Match but that's for the administration to discuss.

"Things can change but at the moment he's unlikely to play."

Cann said Pitcher, who missed Cup Match last year to play for Bermuda in the world 20-20 qualifiers, had already made plenty of sacrifices to represent his country and he respected his decision.

"He has to get his schooling finished. I'd love to have him in the team but he has taken a lot of time off to play for his country already. There will be plenty more Cup Matches for OJ Pitcher."

Despite Pitcher's absence, the retirement of Clay Smith and Arthur Pitcher jnr and an injury to Tre Govia, Cann believes Somerset will have more selection headaches than the holders.

Fast bowler Stefan Kelly, off-spinner Rodney Trott, openers Chris Foggo and Oronde Bascome and potentially pace-man George O'Brien, who is coming back off an injury, are all in line for a recall after prioritizing national team commitments last time around.

"Both teams are going to be stronger," said Cann.

"I think the nucleus of our squad is fairly settled. A lot of our players pick themselves from their performances over the years. Somerset have a few more decisions to make."

Cann, who will fly out Thursday to watch Bermuda's Under-19s in action in the Americas tournament, believes there are some interesting options for the west end selectors in the latest generation of youth cricketers.

"There's a couple of guys that we might look at but a lot of the current Under-19s are Somerset players."

He highlighted Greg Maybury, Kevon Fubler, Deunte Darrell and Tamauri Tucker, who has graduated to the senior national team, as potential colts this year.

[[In-content Ad]]

---