A new wave of self-confidence is beginning to pay dividends for Southampton Rangers and Bermuda opening batsman Kwame Tucker.

Tucker has shone brightly with the bat lately, particularly whenever he?s donned a Bermuda team jersey.

Last month saw the opener smash an unbeaten century (100) against Argentina in the Americas Championships in Toronto, where he also shared in a record 202-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Lionel Cann.

He also added 128 runs with cousin Janeiro Tucker for the second wicket. And earlier this week he became the first Bermuda batsman to score a half century (60) against Trinidad and Tobago?s Clico Preysal on their five-match tour of the Island at the National Sports Centre.

It was an innings that reflected Tucker?s new mental approach to the game, and one that might have also enhanced his bid to claim one of two World Cup spots at the top of the order.

?People have always said I?ve had the ability, but now I?m beginning to believe more in myself whereas I know I?m capable of doing the job,? said Tucker, recently chosen to attend an International Cricket Council (ICC) High Performance Player Training Camp in South Africa next month along with national team-mates Irving Romaine, Stefan Kelly and Kevin Hurdle (see story above).

?I?m now believing more in my ability and beginning to reap the rewards from it,? Tucker added. ?And I do feel more comfortable opening up the innings and I enjoy doing so.?

Tucker reckons his batting technique has benefited from working with national coach Gus Logie and assistant Herbie Bascome on a full-time basis.

He appears to have fully recovered from a hamstring injury sustained during this summer?s Stanford 20/20 Tournament in Antigua which kept him out of Cup Match.

?I?m feeling very good and my fitness level has definitely come up,? added Tucker, who attended cricket studies last February in Brisbane, Australia with national team pacer George O?Brien jr.

The Rangers stalwart impressed Down Under where he helped himself to a first century (114 not out ) of the season, representing Wanderers CC.

But it is his exploits with the bat last month in Toronto that Tucker cherishes most.

?I really wanted to do well in Toronto,? he told . ?It was very special because once I got in I just wanted to bat the whole way.

?Once I was set, I felt this was my turn ? that I could go all the way and bat out the 50 overs. And batting with my cousin (Janeiro) and Lionel made it all the more special.

?Before I used to be very aggressive, but the coaching staff have been encouraging me to bat for long periods.?

Facing ?quality? bowlers has also had its benefits.

?I?m getting used to facing fast bowling, and this has helped raise my game,? said Tucker, who looks forward to participating in the training camp in South Africa early next month.

?I just want to go there and work hard,? he added.