ADOPTING the philosophy that dictates those currently serving in Westgate prison should be given a 'second chance', national cricket coach Gus Logie and his fellow Bermuda Cricket Board selectors this week announced a new senior squad that might have raised a few eyebrows.

Included in the 31-player set-up were a motley crew of cricketers, some of whom in the past have shown little interest in playing for their country, failed to turn up for training, and when they have been chosen have invariably fallen short of the discipline required . . . and, dare we say it, haven't relished the prospect of taking a drugs test.

Given the national squad's abysmal record over the past few years, could this represent Logie's last throw of the dice?

He's tried every combination imagineable. He's picked both youth and experience.

Few with the talent required to play at the international level - even if they themselves are the only ones who believe they have what it takes - can argue they haven't been given a chance.

Veteran Charlie Marshall, who despite his age remains one of the best in the game, might be the solitary exception.

Of the latest names included in the BCB's plans for what promises to be a hectic summer - including a mouthwatering clash against the West Indies - there are plenty who have shown previously that they clearly don't have the character or the quality required.

We're about to see whether anything's changed.

Come summer's end, it'll be interesting to reflect on how many of those invited to join the current squad actually turned up for training, and when they did, whether they demonstrated the commitment required to wear their country's colours.

Already one of those selected has told this newspaper (off the record, of course) that he "isn't sure he can spare the time" to play for both and country.

If that attitude prevails among others, chances of Bermuda making it through to another World Cup might be bleak.

Qualifying for the last World Cup, many believed at the time, was the best thing that had happened to local cricket.

In retrospect, they might argue it has had the opposite effect.

Some players - the names of Clay Smith, Irving Romaine, Dwayne Leverock, David Hemp, Dean Minors immediately come to mind - appreciated the opportunities that were about to be presented to a small country such as Bermuda.

Others were oblivious to just what was at stake.

When Logie picks his final squad for the next overseas tour, hopefully all of those to whom he's given a second bite of the cherry will have done enough to deserve recognition.

Casting aside all that's happened in the past, on and off the field, the coach has put together what appears on paper to be the best of Bermuda cricket.

It remains to be seen whether the best is good enough.

*****

THE most popular sport in Bermuda?

It requires neither fitness nor talent . . . just a chair, a drink and a TV screen.

Judging from the hundreds who packed the pubs and left work early on Wednesday afternoon, the Champions League final between Manchester United and Chelsea, generated the same kind of excitement normally reserved for a World Cup Final.

Not for just supporters of both teams but for all football fans, it was a 'must see' event.

Pity then a match of such magnitude had to be settled on what essentially amounted to a lottery - a penalty shoot-out.

FIFA and UEFA will argue that because of logistics and an already congested fixture schedule, a replay couldn't even be considered.

But wouldn't that have been the fairest way to decide the best club in the world.

Penalties might be better than the toss of a coin, which unbelievably was once the method to determine the outcome of some cup games, but don't do the teams or the sport in general, justice.

And if a replay wasn't possible, why not declare United and Chelsea joint champions.

On Wednesday night, neither team deserved to lose, nor could United claim they outplayed their opponents.

- ADRIAN ROBSON