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Fit-again Cann steps up Dubai preparations

On the mend: Bermuda batsman Lionel Cann

Master blaster Lionel Cann showed encouraging signs he is recovering from injury during a recent net session with his Bermuda team-mates.The mercurial batsman injured his groin following last autumn’s tour of the Island by the MCC and has been under the care of leading physiotherapist Craig Brown ever since.Cann, who has been named in Bermuda’s 14-man ICC World Twenty20 2012 qualifying squad, showed no signs of discomfort batting in the nets last week.And Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) CEO Neil Speight expects the veteran cricketer to continue to go from strength- to -strength in the lead up to next month’s 16-team tournament, which will see only two ICC Associate/Affiliate countries qualify for September’s World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka.“Lionel Cann is expected to step up his return to full training during the next week of training,” said Speight, who also serves on the ICC’s executive. “Lionel had an irritation of the groin, has been undertaking his physiotherapy and rehabilitation and resumed full net training.“He continues to improve on a daily basis, coming through a net session with no adverse effects.”Cann, who has been linked with a potential transfer to Warwick next season, led Bermuda’s batting at the ICC World Cricket League Division Two Tournament in Dubai and Americas Division One 20/20 Tournament in Florida last year.While the former St George’s Cup Match skipper looked comfortable batting, it is understood that his ability to field has yet to be scrutinised.Meanwhile, another player in Bermuda’s World Twenty20 qualifying squad on the mend is top all-rounder Janeiro Tucker.The Southampton Rangers injured his hamstring while at work but has made a steady recovery since.Like Cann, Speight also expects Tucker to be firing on all cylinders in Dubai.“Janeiro has gone through his physiotherapy and rehabilitation and has resumed full training,” he said. “It is anticipated that both players will be available to the coaching staff for team selection throughout the tournament given their current progression on return from injury.”Echoing Speight’s sentiments was national coach David Moore.“Although there are a couple of lingering injuries that will be monitored by the support staff we are confident that we will have a fully fit squad for the tournament,” he said.Bermuda, who depart for Dubai March 9, have been pitted in Group A along with Afghanistan, Denmark, Canada, Hong Kong, Nepal, Papua New Guinea and the Netherlands.Group B consists of Ireland, Kenya, Scotland, Namibia Uganda, Oman, Italy and USA.The Island’s senior national squad, to again be led by former English County player David Hemp, will play seven group matches in as many days and will kick off their ICC World Twenty20 2012 qualifying campaign against Denmark March 13 at the ICC Global Cricket Academy Oval.