‘This is your chance’

Bermuda Under-19s have been told to seize their chance to play on the world stage.

The team heads to Canada on Sunday for the Americas World Cup qualifying tournament against USA and Canada, knowing a win would thrust them into the spotlight against cricketing powerhouses like India, England and Australia in in the finals in the UAE in February.

The squad have been training on the island ahead of the forthcoming matches — and coach Irving Romaine has left them in no doubt as to what they could gain from reaching the World Cup.

He told the Bermuda Sun: “I’ve been talking to them and telling them of the doors that can open by playing on the world stage — you have the 20/20 starting in the Americas, for examples.

“All it takes is one good innings. I’ve been talking to the guys and they know this is a big opportunity — for the guys dreaming of playing professional, this is what they should be thinking about.

“The Under-19 World Cup is on TV, the chance to play against the likes of India — the whole world is watching.

“This has generated excitement, not nervousness. The ones that are looking for a career are thinking about it.”

Guys based overseas — like Kamau Leverock, skipper Joshua Gilbert, Tre Manders — have arrived and Romaine says they have raised the level and awareness in the squad of what can be achieved.

He said: “The team is starting to gel, the overseas players have arrived and we’ve been doing a little bit of team bonding.

“Leverock, Gilbert and  Manders, Delray Rawlins — these guys have represented Bermuda at senior level so I’m expecting big things. We have a well-rounded team. Shaquille Jones is doing well, Kwasi James at Somerset and Zico Burgess is on the verge of making Cup Match — it’s a very mature team in terms of cricket years.”

He added: “We need to stay mentally tough. They’re going to find teams at this level make longer stands than in Bermuda domestic cricket.

“Players will get in and make 100s and not throw their wicket away. One wicket can change a game and our players need to be aware of that. We need to go above and beyond.”

William White has replaced batsman Azende Furbert in the squad.