January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
'There's more where that came from'
Blakeney says he doesn’t have anything to prove as he helps lead Bermuda
'There's more where that came from'
The Bailey's Bay batsman made a dream return to the world stage smashing an unbeaten century against Argentina on his first game for the national team in five years.
The amiable left-hander - who had been out of the squad for personal, family reasons including an illness to his wife - said it had been a great feeling to make his return in style.
And he said he hoped to justify the faith the selectors had shown in him by making him one of a core of 'professional' centrally contracted cricketers on the national squad's High Performance Programme (HPP).
"It was a great feeling. I was stuck on 98 for a couple of over's and then I got there with a boundary. I was frustrated after picking up an injury and missing the first few games so I was just hoping to go out there and have a good day.
"I dedicate that hundred to my family and all my fans who have always supported me and wished me well.
"If you look at my record, I don't think I have anything to prove. I had personal reasons for not being available but now I'm back and I'm excited to be part of the team.
"I've been training hard, I've been very committed and when that chance came about (to be part of the HPP) I was pretty excited.
"If I continue to keep myself in good shape I see no reason why I can't make the next World Cup but my focus now is to help us qualify."
Blakeney, who will head to Argentina with the Bermuda Development Squad next week, said he had been particularly inspired on Saturday by the stinging criticism directed at him in a Royal Gazette editorial.
Gazette Sports Editor Adrian Robson had questioned the batsman's commitment to the national cause, suggesting he had only got a central contract with Bermuda because his dad was the new Sports Minister.
"What really motivated me was that article in the Royal Gazette. I just hope that guy continues with all the negative write-ups because that really motivated me.
"Even after that write-up I had people calling me and wishing me well and that inspired me to do it for them."
Blakeney said Argentina had been a tougher opponent than most people gave them credit for. But he knows there will be tougher challenges ahead.
"I just want to keep scoring runs. Hopefully there's a lot more where that came from."
Blakeney will have plenty more opportunities to make good on that promise when Bermuda travel to South America on December 10.
Along with Irving Romaine, he will be one of two senior players on a Development Squad, consisting largely of Under-19 players, that will compete in four one-day matches and three 20-20 clashes with the Argentines.
Skipper Irving Romaine said the tour was a big chance for some of the rising young stars of Bermuda cricket to stake a claim for a place in the senior squad.
"It's a development tour so it's basically the contracted players and the Under-19."
He said the likes of left-arm seamer Jordan DeSilva, opening batsman Terryn Fray, spinner Regino Smith and fast bowler Kevon Fubler were all in the frame.
"We might have lost The Americas but we are still one of the strongest teams in the region. We are one of the only countries that's producing young players and that's a good sign for the future.
"This tour is a chance for us to take a look at some of those guys and see which ones are ready for the senior team."
Part of the purpose of the tour is also to assist Argentina in their preparations for the World Cricket League Division Three.
The top two from that competition, in January, qualify to compete alongside Bermuda, Ireland, Scotland, Kenya and the other top associates in the ICC World Cup Qualifier in South Africa in 2009.[[In-content Ad]]
Comments:
You must login to comment.