Bermuda rivals get set for action
While Bermuda have yet to name a squad for upcoming ICC Intercontinental Cup commitments overseas, Americas rivals Canada have announced a 13-man squad that will face off against the Netherlands and United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Toronto beginning at the end of this month.
The Canadians, twice runners-up in the first class competition, will host the Netherlands at the Maple Leaf Cricket Club grounds in King's City — also the venue for this summer's Americas Under-19 championships — from June 28 to July 1 in their opening Intercontinental Cup match before taking on the UAE at the same venue July 6-9.
Canada, yet to find a replacement for coach Andy Pick whose contract expired at the end of this year's World Cup in the Caribbean, and Holland will also play each other in two ODIs scheduled to be held in Toronto on July 3 and 4.
Former skipper John Davison — succeeded by wicketkeeper-batsman Asish Bagai on the team's return from the World Cup — has surprisingly been omitted from Canada's Intercontinental Cup squad, while left-arm spinner Sunil Dhaniram and fast bowlers Ashish Patel and Steve Welsh have all been recalled to the team.
Bermuda, meanwhile, are currently preparing themselves for what will be a hectic schedule starting later this summer.
The Island travel to Holland to take on the Netherlands in the Intercontinental Cup (August 13-16) and two ODIs on August 18 and 20.
Bermuda then travel to Belfast to take on Ireland in their second Intercontinental Cup match (August 23-26) and then Kenya and UAE in late October/early November for additional ODIs and Intercontinental Cup assignments.