January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Steede: I still want to play for my country
Amid the scramble for players good enough, fit enough and willing enough to play for their country, the St. George's fast bowler is baffled that he has not played a part.
And Steede urged the Bermuda selectors not to completely discard the old guard as they look to bring through the next generation.
At 33, Steede believes he still has plenty to offer for his country.
"People keep asking me if I've retired but the only reason I've been out the team is because of injuries and when I haven't been selected."
Steede said he'd initially been called by coach Gus Logie to see if he was available. But the selectors decided to go with youth and he was overlooked, until two days before the game when injuries and dropouts forced their hand.
At that point it was too late for him to take the time off work.
But Steede would still like to play for Bermuda and he hopes the new policy of blooding youngsters won't prematurely end his international career.
"In Bermuda, at 33, they consider you over the hill. But I still feel I have a good few years left, at the associate level especially there are a lot of guys playing until their late 30s.
"There are a lot of good youngsters out there and it is right that they get a chance but it shouldn't just be handed to them. They will be better players if they have to work for their spots.
"You need a good blend of youth and experience. Personally I think Lionel Cann and Janeiro Tucker retired too soon.
"Janeiro is only 34. Look at what he's done this year."
Steede believes the youngsters would benefit from having the experience of a few more old-heads around.
But most of all he believes increased competition for places would improve Bermuda's team.
"I couldn't understand why they picked just 14 players and then had to call around two days before the match to get a team. Why not have 20-30 guys selected and then pick the team after training? That was a mystery to me."
Steede also echoed Lionel Cann's call for a truce between some players and the board.
"We only have a small pool to choose from. We have to be careful how we handle certain players. Both parties - the players and the board - do need to come to some sort of agreement.
"There is a good bit of talent on this island, it just needs to be handled properly."
[[In-content Ad]]
Comments:
You must login to comment.