Hemp keeps Bermuda door open

Former Bermuda captain David Hemp says he is still available for selection despite landing a new coaching job at Australian club side Prahran CC.

The ex-Glamorgan and Warwickshire batsman admitted, though, that more success in the job market Down Under could put an end to his international career.

He told the Bermuda Sun: “At the moment yes, I am still available to play and would certainly love the opportunity to play if selected. However, future work commitments might impact on this desire.”

Hemp emigrated with his family soon after Bermuda’s unsuccessful World T20 qualification campaign in the UAE, with the aim of forging a coaching career at the top level.

And he’s made early inroads as he settles into Melbourne life and can’t wait to get stuck into his work at the Victorian Premier Cricket side, which boasts both current and former internationals. “I’m really looking forward to working there,” Hemp, 43, said. “It is a good side with some very good experienced senior players and some exciting younger ones as well. 

“Some of those senior players have Test and first-class experience and include Chris Rogers, David Hussey, Dimi Mascarenhas and Bryce McGain. The new head coach is Peter Di Venuto and again he brings lots of experience in managing teams.

“I contacted the former head coach and asked if I could come along and help out during one of the final games of the season. 

“This is when I met with Peter, who has now taken over and subsequently asked me to get involved.”

He added: “In the long term I would like to get involved at the Elite Player level. In the meantime, I have been speaking with several schools about next season. I am also hoping to get involved with the Coach Education Department at Cricket Victoria and assist with the delivery of coaching courses that they deliver.”

Hemp revealed that cricketers in such a hotbed of the game are well-versed in the past accomplishments of Bermuda cricket.

“Many of the players that I have come across can relate to Bermuda and especially recall our World Cup experience,” he said. 

“However, they also ask what has happened over the last few years as they  have not been seen Bermuda in any other major competitions since that single appearance.”