March 15, 2013 at 1:58 p.m.
Bermuda captain Outerbridge targets T20 finals
The country’s new captain leads his team into the ICC Americas qualifiers in Florida on Monday knowing if Bermuda are to make it to Bangladesh in 2014, then this is the start of a long, arduous journey.
But Outerbridge, in his first major test as captain after succeeding David Hemp, reckons it is a realistic aim and says the onus is now on the players to ensure they make it to the next stage of qualification in the UAE in October.
He said: “I played in the 50 overs World Cup — the experience is something you don’t forget. It would be good for players who didn’t have that opportunity to do it. I think six teams qualify from the tournament in Dubai in October so it’s a realistic chance and once we get there it will once again be down to us.”
He added: “It’s up the players on the field — the coaches and board have done all they can.
“It’s not really about me [as captain], it’s about the team. It’s about bringing 14 personalities together to make one unit. That’s where my strength is, bringing the different characters together and just getting them focused on one goal. The senior players have won various tournaments, played in World Cups, first-class cricket, there’s enough information in the team there if I need I can call upon.”
Outerbridge believes the Florida conditions will suit his side as the conditions are similar to those here on the island.
He said: “We played there a couple of years ago. The wickets were kind of slow and they spun to some degree — it’s kind of like playing at home just on bigger decks, so we’re confident of playing against spinners and probably being just a little bit more patient.
“We have guys who go after the ball but we just have to play a bit smarter and get the job done.”
Comments:
You must login to comment.