In a startling twist yesterday, ex-Somerset Cup Match skipper Janeiro Tucker declared his intention to play in this year’s Cup Match classic at Wellington Oval.

After being informally sacked as skipper of the West Ender’s cup team, a clearly frustrated Tucker vowed not to take part in this summer’s event in protest over the manner in which the process was handled.

“I’m definitely not going to play Cup Match this year. I’m going to take this year off and then have a rethink later down the road because at the moment I really can’t be bothered,” Tucker told The Royal Gazette earlier this month.

But after having private discussions with Somerset officials during a special meeting last Tuesday, the Southampton Rangers player-coach has had a change of heart and will now participate in the challenger’s final trial match on July 28.

Tucker said: “They (Somerset officials) cleared the air by explaining where and how everything went wrong concerning the issue over the captaincy. It was a very productive meeting where we all came to an agreement that I will play.”

Earlier this week Somerset officials unveiled left-arm spinner Hasan Durham as Tucker’s successor.

Tucker added: “I have no complaints at this time as everything has now been sorted out. And the reason why I initially decided not to play was based solely on principle. I took a stand because at that particular time I didn’t have any clue as to what was really going on.

“But everything has now been sorted out, and I don’t have any grudges against the club.”

In a press statement published in The Royal Gazette>yesterday, Somerset Cricket Club president Richard Scott wrote: “Somerset Cricket Club never intended or set out to cause any embarrassment, discomfort, ill-feelings or the like toward Janeiro.

“Janeiro is a member of Somerset Cricket Club and is a highly regarded cricketer in the country. Janeiro is first a person and when an individual is offended because of the actions taken by SCC, where possible, we endeavour to make amends and improve in those areas which will ultimately lead to us being a better institution.

Scott added: “We are deeply appreciative of the contributions Janeiro has made as skipper and we look forward to his continued dominance on the cricket pitch with the bat and ball. One can argue that Janeiro is one of Bermuda’s premier cricketers, and we are certainly glad to have had his services as captain for the past two Cup Matches.

“I want to make it very clear that Janeiro being replaced as Cup Match captain has no connection with anything negative. This is an initiative of the club and we believe this year presents the opportune moment.”

Tucker was the first Somerset batsman to score a century in St.George’s, and is the classic’s record holder for the highest individual score (186).

He has also won the MVP and Safe Hands Awards multiple times.