Janeiro Tucker says he is up for the challenge of serving in the dual role as a player and assistant coach for Bermuda at next month’s ICC T20 World Cup qualifiers in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The former Bermuda captain was a surprise addition to Herbie Bascome’s 17-man squad the Bermuda Cricket Board announced last week given he had retired from international cricket.

“I am just looking forward to help out any way I can in a coaching and playing capacity,” the experienced all-rounder, who guided Bermuda to World Cup qualification in the 50 overs game 14 years ago in Ireland standing in for injured captain Clay Smith, said.

“It’s not added responsibility and I was born to do these types of things.

“It’s what drives me to be what I am, so I’m looking forward to this next challenge as player and assistant coach. I am there to do what is asked of me for the team and country.”

Bermuda will be among 14 teams vying for six places Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, from October 18 to November 2.

The teams will compete in two groups with Bermuda pitted in group A along with Scotland, the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Namibia, Singapore and Kenya. Group B comprises hosts UAE, Ireland, Oman, Hong Kong, Canada, Jersey and Nigeria.

The top team from each group will advance to the semi-finals, thus securing direct qualification to the World Cup, with three more teams from each group involved in play-offs to determine the final four qualifiers.

The six qualifying teams will join Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, the ninth and tenth ranked teams at the end of 2018, in the first round.

Four teams from there will then join Afghanistan, Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and the West Indies in the tournament proper, the Super 12.

Bermuda will play Papua New Guinea in their first match on October 19, before playing Singapore, Kenya and Namibia in their next three matches on October 20, 21 and 23. Their final two group matches on October 24 and 26 against Scotland and Netherlands are set to be televised.

Tucker, who was a member of the Bermuda team that competed in the World Cup in 2007, believes the island can achieve its objective in Dubai if they back themselves and play to their full potential and in harmony.

“We can achieve it if we believe and play to our ability and also be a team as we were in Bermuda [ICC T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier],” he said. “It’s not a one man team, it’s 17 players and coaches that will get us through.

“It’s not an easy task. We have moved up in quality of teams and players so we have to bring our A game in all games, not just two or three games.”

Bermuda, who will be captained by Dion Stovell, advanced to the final round of qualifying after finishing second behind Canada during last month’s ICC T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier which the island hosted, which also involved the United States and Cayman Islands.