Stovell set to return for WCL opening clash

The Southampton Rangers batsman suffered a bruised toe during Bermuda’s six-wicket win over Hong Kong last weekend.

Optimism

And rather than risk ­further damage, team officials excluded Stovell from the line-up for Bermuda’s final WCL warm-up with Namibia earlier this week.

National coach David Moore is optimistic his opening batsman will be available for Friday’s ­crucial clash with PNG at the ICC Global Cricket Academy Oval in Dubai Sports City.

“He’ll be fine,” said Moore. “He’s just got a bruised toe and so there are no issues there.”

Stovell blasted his way into form with a belligerent knock of 70 from 68 deliveries during a century opening partnership with skipper David Hemp (94) against Hong Kong.

It was a partnership that left Moore a happy camper.

“You’re always happy to have quality batsmen playing together at the top of the order. They complement themselves very well,” said Moore.

Also expected to be available for selection are spinner Delyone Borden and swing bowler Damali Bell.

Borden missed Bermuda’s final WCL warm-up against Namibia with a sore throat. Bell sat out with a sprained ankle.

A late addition to the squad is UK-based fast bowler Stefan Kelly who arrived in Dubai earlier this week.

Moore — who has high expectations for Kelly — said he expects the St. George’s Cup Match star to make a seamless transition to the international arena.

“He’s only travelling from the UK, which is good for us, and he played two days of a three-day game recently and so we know he has a little bit of bowling under his belt,” said the coach. “We expect him to hit the ground running when he lands.”

Moore also expressed optimism about his team’s chances for success, on the eve of the WCL Division Two Tournament.

He said: “Our bowling has been pretty good and our batting has been pretty sound as well.

“We are getting to a point where all our preparation we have put in over the winter months is ­coming to fruition.

Quality

“We’re certainly batting better, fielding better and bowling with more accuracy and discipline.

“The quality of our game has certainly picked up and the players are ­certainly much fitter than they were and mentally more skillful.

“But unfortunately there are no guarantees with these tournaments and it can actually be just one or two poor decisions that could end up costing us games.

“We have to be very aware and disciplined in how we play our games.”

The former West Indies coach warned his players not to take any team for granted on the day.

He said: “There’s no doubt every game is going to be tough, even though we beat Hong Kong ­comfortably.

“They batted well and got 259 which we had to chase down. Their bowlers are also quite good and we know UAE and Namibia have beaten us before.

“Whether it’s Papua New Guinea or Namibia, we have a lot to keep in mind.

“We have to respect the opposition but also know we can certainly beat them when we play our best cricket.”