January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Stovell could add much punch to Bemuda's batting attack
Stovell could add much punch to Bemuda's batting attack
The Southampton Rangers cricketer has carved up bowling attacks on the domestic scene in recent years - but has seemingly lacked the desire to test his himself at the senior international level.
But time has a funny way of changing one's outlook and Stovell has proven no exception with his newfound willingness to take his game to a higher plateau.
The Somerset Cup Match player was originally selected to try out for a spot on Bermuda's senior national squad that will tour South Africa and Namibia in early spring. However, he has ruled himself out of the tour for personal reasons but plans to rejoin in time for May's Americas Championships to be held in Bermuda for the first time in six years.
Among those eagerly awaiting Stovell's arrival at the senior national level is Andre Manders who coached the aggressive cricketer at the Under 19 national level.
He said: "I think it is good for Bermuda cricket to have Dion back in the national programme. He was with us with the Under 19s and did really well at that level."
It was at the Under 19 level where Stovell became the first Bermudian batsman to score double century in international competition at all levels - a feat he achieved in Canada at the Under 19 Americas Championships.
Manders added: "That was a great innings and I'm just glad to see Dion return. It's been a long time coming but it's good to see him back."
Stovell's arrival to the senior national programme will almost certainly bolster the team's top order and his occassional off breaks could also prove useful.
Bermuda Cricket Board development director Arnold Manders said: "Obviously Dion is a very talented young man - he's the only Under 19 player to have scored two hundred runs in a match.
"The potential is there and obviously he is trying to get himself together as far as his cricket is concerned and we are just happy he is back.
"He will be available for the Americas Championships and once we get him in the set up I think he will be fine."
Stovell is just one of many "young bloods" that incoming coach David Moore will have at his disposal.
Moore was recently confirmed as the island's newest national coach, ending months of speculation over who Gus Logie's successor would be.
Manders believes a man of Moore's expertise could be the catalyst to turn Bermuda's cricket fortunes around.
He said: "He's definitely a good coach, all you have to do is look at his resume. I am very impressed with David's qualities and I think he will bring new and refreshing ideas to the senior national program and Bermuda cricket in general."
Bermuda depart for South Africa March 23 where they will take part in a training camp at the High Perfomance Centre at the University of Pretoria.
The islanders will then travel to Namibia to play their hosts in a four day ICC Intercontinental Shield match (April 2, 3, 4 and 5) and two one day internationals (April 7 and 8).
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