Jason Anderson, the Cleveland County wicketkeeper-batsman, has been declared fit to play for the cup-holders in today’s Eastern Counties Cup second-round clash with Bailey’s Bay at Sea Breeze Oval.

Concerns had been raised over Anderson’s health after he fractured his right index finger on the second day of Cup Match, when he was struck by a ball from Malachi Jones, the Somerset opening bowler.

After being treated at hospital, Anderson returned to bat later in the St George’s second innings, adding 15 runs to his score before being dismissed for 19.

Despite taking over the gloves from Fiqre Crockwell after missing the start of Somerset’s victory charge, there was genuine concern that Anderson might lose his race for fitness. However, those fears were put to rest when he was named in an unchanged XI from that which shocked champions St David’s in the previous round.

Anderson played an integral role in Cleveland’s 147-run victory against the Islanders on his Eastern Counties debut, blasting 76 at the top of the order to lay the foundation for the challengers’ formidable total of 282 for eight declared. He also took three catches behind the stumps in the second innings and was named man of the match.

Clay Smith, the Cleveland coach, says Anderson’s availability is a big boost to the cup holder’s defence. “Jason being available is a massive bonus,” Smith said. “He showed how valuable he is at the last county game and we are expecting big things from him yet again.

“There was never any doubt in my mind whether he would play, as he showed us in Cup Match that he is willing to play through the pain.”

The cup-holders’ only change to their squad is among the reserves, where Jelani Richardson has replaced Tamauri Tucker.

Cleveland have depth in their bowling and batting and will be full of confidence, having convincingly disposed of St David’s four weeks ago. Much will again be expected of Dennis Musson Jr, the seam bowler, who shared new-ball duties against the Islanders with Dion Stovell, the off spinner.

Musson was a thorn in the Islanders’ side, bagging figures of four for 37 off 11 overs. Stovell held up his end of the bargain, too, taking one for 26 from nine overs after slamming an unbeaten 84.

“The team we have picked is our strongest team,” Smith said. “It has a good variety in bowling and is very deep in batting.”

As for the challengers, the Cleveland coach is cautious. “Bay have a very well balanced team, one that you have to respect,” he said. “But being at home will be added pressure on them to produce the goods.”

Cleveland, who will again be led by Allan Douglas Jr, will enter today’s clash with a different approach from the previous round. “The approach obviously changes somewhat,” Smith said. “When we were challengers, we had an all-out attack mentality, but now we will have a more controlled aggression. We are looking to play good, hard, intelligent cricket.”

Bay have made three changes to the team that lost the cup to St David’s in the second round at Lord’s last year. Jordan Smith, a 16-year-old colt, Tre Manders and Tre Govia have replaced Christino Smith, Burton Outerbridge and Azendea Furbert, who has been named as a reserve.