Dean Minors admits he thought the offer from coach Clay Smith inviting him to train with the Bermuda team was a prank call.

Smith turned to Minors, his close friend, after six other wicketkeepers declined the invitation to train with the team before the World Cricket League Division Four tournament in Los Angeles this month.

Once he realised Smith was serious, Minors slept on the offer before deciding to accept the invitation.

Now, more than a decade after being a part of the history-making 2005 team that qualified for the 2007 World Cup, Minors is set for his first game for his country since 2011.

OJ Pitcher, one of his team-mates in Ireland 11 years ago, is the new Bermuda captain.

“I thought Clay was joking in the beginning, but when he said he was dead serious, I slept on it for a few days,” Minors said.

“I spoke to a few close friends, old cricketers and family, and got some feedback.

“They said it would be a great opportunity to lend some of my knowledge. I’m not going to say it’s a one-off; I’ll just leave the door open.

“I have always been a staunch supporter of improving the quality of local cricket and if it’s in my remit, I can be a catalyst for such improvement.

“It’s evident that the Bermuda Cricket Board has embarked on a journey with the goal being to raise Bermuda cricket to an enviable level. We have the skill and talent on this island. If we marry it together correctly and thoughtfully, the only thing stopping us is ourselves.”

Minors, 46, has been playing for Tuff Dogs in the Evening League with the likes of Arnold Manders, Azeem Pitcher, Daniel Morgan and Terence Corday.

“We won the league knockout and had a good showing in the Central Counties,” he said.

Inspired by a player like Charlie Marshall, who played well into his forties, Minors may even consider a return to league cricket next season.

“I appreciate this opportunity as well as the confidence the board and backroom staff have in me,” he said. “I express my gratitude to give back to a country that has given me so much.

“I would also like to state that the Evening League is truly a great challenge with a number of knowledgeable and experienced cricketers.

“I would like to thank my children, family, friends and Tuff Dogs Cricket Club for their encouraging support in telling me to take on this new and exciting challenge at my tender age of 46.”

He then joked: “Maybe my next challenge will be to play Cup Match again. Maybe I could play as a batsman.”