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He's back.

Janeiro Tucker - the hero of the 2007 World Cup qualifying campaign - has returned to training with the national cricket squad.

Tucker, who has not played for Bermuda since the Kenya tour in October 2007, said he was fully committed to helping the country get back to the biggest stage in the sport.

The hard hitting middle order batsman, still considered by many to be the best on the island, has put his differences with the Bermuda Cricket Board behind him and wants to play a part in South Africa in April.

The Southampton Rangers captain was given the go-ahead to return to action on Wednesday and is expected to be named in the squad to travel to the Caribbean in January.

"I want to help out and do everything I can.

"I've had some good discussions with the board and I'm back in training this week.

"I feel confident. I think my ability and my seniority should be able to get me back in the team to help out.

"Once I get back in the set-up I'll know a bit better what role they want me to play."

Tucker, whose century against the U.S. at the 2005 World Cup qualifier in Ireland sealed Bermuda's spot for West Indies 2007, had been involved in a stand-off with the board over the handling of his suspension from cricket earlier this year.

He was slapped with a six-game ban, which included the Stanford 20-20 competition, after allegations that he swore at an umpire.

The former Bermuda captain, who became Somerset's all-time Cup Match top run scorer this year, admitted he had been unhappy with his treatment.

But he said it was all in the past.

"Those things are behind me it's time to move on.

"A lot of people were upset that I wasn't playing for Bermuda but I had to take care of what I had to take care of.

"We had to work some things out."

With Lionel Cann and Glenn Blakeney also coming back into the squad in recent months competition for places in the middle order is heating up.

Tucker believes that can only be good for Bermuda's chances of qualifying for the 2011 World Cup.

"Those are real good signs. Everybody always wanted to see the best players playing for Bermuda and now the majority of them are playing.

"This tournament is really important. Everybody wants to be in the World Cup again and hopefully my experience can help get us there."

Tucker said he also hoped to see the likes of Malachi Jones and Kevin Hurdle back in the squad soon.

The 33-year-old has played 24 one-day-internationals for Bermuda averaging 21.43.

He scored 58 against Zimbabwe in one of the World Cup warm up matches in 2007.

He's played in three ICC World Cup qualifiers, scoring two centuries.

Tucker's return will intensify competition for places with Chris Douglas, Lionel Cann, Glen Blakeney, David Hemp, Stephen Outerbridge, Irving Romaine and Oronde Bascome all vying for spots in the top six. His reputation as an economic seam bowler could also bolster a squad short on options in that department.

Bermuda wins

Bermuda A yesterday defeated Argentina by 56 runs in a 20-20 match.

Batting first the Bermuda squad scored 153 for 2 with Glenn Blakeney scoring half century as Bermuda posted 155 for 2 before restricting Argentina to 99 for seven.

The two teams renew their rivalry in the 50-over Baimax Cup series on Saturday and Sunday. Bermuda leads the series 2-1.[[In-content Ad]]

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