January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Trott: 'I can handle the challenge'
Rodney knows cricket team is counting on him for spin against Namibia
Trott: 'I can handle the challenge'
As the only recognized spinner in the team, much will be riding on the 22 year-old cricketer to deliver with the old ball during the island's upcoming four -day Intercontinental Shield and series of limited over matches with hosts Namibia.
And Trott, who recently announced his decision to transfer from Bailey's Bay to Young Men's Social Club, reckons he will be equal to the task.
He said: "I think this will be a good opportunity for me to show people that I can handle the challenge. I just want to see how the wicket plays and work hard.
"I have never been to Namibia but I have been told they have good batting strips and if you put the ball in the right areas you should reap the benefits. I have been doing a lot of bowling in the last month or so and so I am really looking forward to the challenge."
Trott led Bermuda's bowling attack during 2011 ICC World Cup qualifiers in South Africa last year where he finished fourth in the tournament bowling averages (17.28). He claimed 14 wickets (fourth highest in the tournament) with best figures of four for 30 against Denmark to emerge from behind the shadow of the now retired Dwayne (Sluggo) Leverock.
In opting to go with one specialist spinner, it is obvious the Bermuda selectors have pinned their hopes on seam which Trott feels could be very effective on the African continent.
He said: "The wickets out there will probably be conducive to seam bowling and so I think the selectors have picked a well balanced squad."
Spearheading the island's seam attack are the likes of Malachi Jones, Justin Pitcher and Stefan Kelly.
UK -based Kelly will be looking to improve on his last performances in Africa where he failed to live up to expectations with the new ball during 2011 World Cup qualifiers.
The St.David's Islander was the third most expensive bowler in South Africa, claiming five- wickets at an average of 53.4.
Much will also be expected from recalls Jim West and Ryan Steede and budding left -arm seamer Jordan DeSilva who will be looking to cement his place in the squad. Batting-wise, former vice -captain Trott, is expected to feature in Bermuda's middle order where he is confident he can hold his own.
He said: "I think my batting has been coming along on the last couple of tours. The coaches want me to bat in the middle order and so I am also looking forward to that challenge."
Bermuda have yet to beat Namibia in a first class match. But this doesn't discourage Trott in the least.
"I honestly believe we can beat Namibia," he declared. "Cricket is played on the field and on the day any team can be beaten.
"I give Namibia a lot of respect but I feel that we can beat them. The guys have been working hard together and on the day I think we can beat them."
Bermuda lost to Uganda by seven- wickets in their opening Intercontinental Shield match at the National Sports Centre last August and must beat Namibia in order to advance in the competition. The island's four- day Intercontinental Shield match with hosts Namibia gets underway on Friday.[[In-content Ad]]
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