St George's confident of retaining the Cup on home soil

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27: The champions go into Cup Match in confident mood.

A balanced team that bats deep and is packed with variety in the bowling department will attempt to hold on to the coveted trophy for the sixth successive year.

Chief selector Lewis Foggo talks James Whittaker through the eastenders picks for the 2011 Classic.

Oronde Bascome, 23
Right-hand bat
Captain

Opener Bascome, in his second year as captain, is a renowned tactician and thinker of the game despite his young age.

The son of former skipper Herbie Bascome and the grandson of another east end icon Brutus Foggo, Bascome is steeped in Cup Match tradition.

He has yet to make a significant contribution with the bat in the Classic but has all the tools to do so, according to Foggo.

“He hasn’t made runs yet but I’m more than sure we will see Oronde at his best this year.”

A clean striker of the ball, Bascome is also a useful close fielder and an energetic presence on the pitch.

Rodney Trott, 23
Right-hand bat
Right-arm offbreak
Vice-captain

Spinner Trott is one of a handful of young St George’s stars whose vast experience defies their youth.

Trott made his debut in 2006 and has the stature of a seasoned veteran despite being just 23.

Bermuda’s most consistent spinner over the past few years he also adds value with the bat.

“We consider him a batsman also. He is one of Bermuda’s in-form bats right now,” said Foggo.

He’s one of just three St George’s batsmen who have over 100 runs in Cup Match.

Lionel Cann, 38
Right-hand bat
Right-arm medium

Along with Tucker, Cann is one of two ‘living legends’ on the field in this year’s game.

He stands to become the fifth batsman to pass the 1,000 run mark in the history of Cup Match. And after a duck last year, he’ll be determined to get back among the runs.

In stunning form for Bermuda last week, Cann is usually the man for the big occasion.

“He’s our Mr Cup Match. Hopefully he can play the role he loves to play,” said Foggo.

While known for his bat, Cann has a tidy bowling average.

OJ Pitcher, 28
Right-hand bat
Right-arm medium

One of St George’s most consistent performers at Cup Match, OJ Pitcher is another of the eastenders ‘young veterans’.

Out in the 90s on two separate occasions, he has the talent and the mental strength to score match-winning hundreds.

The retirement, over the past few years of the likes of Clay Smith and Charlie Marshall, make him an even more central figure.

With a good performance this year he would sneak into the top ten list for highest averages in the classic.

Delyone Borden, 26
Left-hand bat
Right-arm offbreak

Canny spinner Borden usually saves his best for Cup Match.

He’s a different type of spin bowler to Trott and will be looked on as an attacking weapon. On his day he turns it big and he has the experience to cope with aggressive batsmen — something that could be vital as Somerset try to score quick runs.

“He’s another three-point player for us,” says Foggo.

“he’s an experienced bowler and he can bat anywhere in the line-up.”

With the retirement of Dwayne Leverock, Borden is the second leading active wicket taker in Cup Match with 21 scalps.

Justin Pitcher, 24
Left-hand bat
Right-arm medium-fast

After a frustrating season, plagued by injury, Justin Pitcher has hit form and fitness just in time for Cup Match.

He looked lively in the final trial game, taking two wickets and will be expected to lead the attack alongside Stefan Kelly.

“He is one of Bermuda’s best bowlers. He hasn’t played much cricket this year but I think we will see the best of him at Cup Match,” says Foggo.

Allan Douglas Jr, 24
Right-hand bat
Right-arm medium

All-rounder Douglas showed a glimpse of his abilities with a big hitting cameo at last year’s classic.

A steady medium pace bowler and a middle-order batsman who mixes tenacity with controlled aggression, Douglas has a strong reputation in the east end.

“You can use Allan in whatever role you need him for. He can bat sensibly but he can beat the ball as well. We’re expecting big things from him,” says Foggo.

Jason Anderson, 31
Right-hand bat
Wicketkeeper

Wicketkeeper batsman Anderson is another player who has improved his game this season.

He scored his first international century against Hong Kong in Dubai in April and is likely to play an anchor role.

“If we need him to bat long he can do that job,” said Foggo.

“He’s not as explosive as some of the others but he stays to the wicket and you need that type of player for Cup Match.”

Stefan Kelly, 22
Right-arm bat
Right-arm medium-fast

A welcome return to the side for Kelly who is tipped to share the new ball with Pitcher.

The seamer, who has been playing University cricket in the UK, adds an extra dimension to the St George’s bowling attack.

His stamina is unrivalled in Bermuda and he is expected to put in a good shift for the holders. “He’s a class act and he has the energy to bowl as long as we want him to,” said Foggo.

Fiqre Crockwell, 26
Right-hand bat
Wicketkeeper

In-form Crockwell is recalled to the side after missing out last year.

One of three potential openers for St George’s along with Jason Anderson and Bascome, he is in exceptional nick coming into this game.

“He has basically picked himself with his batting. He’s one of the in-form players on the island right now,” said Foggo.

Damali Bell, 19
Right-arm bat
Left-arm medium

CUP MATCH STATS
Colt

Left-arm seamer Bell has added a yard of pace to his bowling to help earn a call-up to the St George’s XI as a colt.

The 19-year-old, who has gained valuable experience playing at Kent’s cricket academy in England and with the national team, brings extra options to St George’s seam attack. He’s also a useful batsman and will be expected to make an instant impression.

“He is there to perform,” says Foggo. “I’m expecting results from him.”