Larger than life cricketer Dwayne Leverock has thrown his weight behind a campaign to get him in shape for next year's crucial internationals.

The rotund allrounder, often criticised for the extra pounds he has carried on the field of play despite his agility, has taken the initiative to get trim in time for the World Cup Qualifying Series in Los Angeles in September.

And the results have been astounding.

Leverock, known as Sluggo, has been working out at Magnum Power Force Gym and this week completed the first stage of a programme formulated by Ron and Karen Magnum, owners of the Front Street business.

In just under five weeks the player has shed 30 pounds and reduced his waistline by seven inches. His target is to lose a further 40 pounds and become the envy of every other senior cricketer on the Island by the time the new season comes around in the Spring.

"It's definitely to my advantage," he said. "It makes me much more fitter than I was ever before and it will also prevent me from the injuries I was getting.

"I was in halfway decent shape, but I think I could have been in much better shape, especially when it comes around to participating in international tournaments."

One of the members of a large squad that the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control has announced will train for the Los Angeles tournament, Leverock's commitment is good news at a time when there has been well publicised apathy towards training and commitment to national team duty.

"I don't feel weak or anything after losing the weight to date. I used to be much smaller than what I am today, but through negligence and things like that it got out of hand and I am taking steps to get back to my old self," Leverock said.

"My eating habits were bad but now we are changing all of that. I used to eat late at night but now I eat at precise times during the day, often a little about every two hours and it's really benefiting me. I'm excited and looking towards doing well on the field of play."

The move has been warmly welcomed by BCBC President Reggie Pearman.

"This is indicative of the positive and committed approach that we expect from our players," he said. "Taking a professional approach to our preparation for the game will lead to us reaching our full potential in future events. "Dwayne has take responsibility to enable him to be in the best of condition for cricket which is a commendable action that will help give direction for all of the players."

Karen Magnum, who is personally supervising the programme, said Leverock had shown that by working towards specific, measurable goals with professional help and dedication huge changes could be made, not just in the short-term but for the rest of a person's life.

"The combination of understanding the body's needs with designed cardio-vascular and strength training is a potent force that we understand well and can communicate to clients to empower them to live a healthier more physical lifestyle," she said.

"We are pleased to be able to assist the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control as well as Dwayne in specifically meeting their goals."