Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) ended speculation over the availability of senior national team wicketkeeper Jekon Edness for the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League (WCL) Division 3 tournament yesterday, confirming the wicketkeeper had been ruled out of the tournament because of a back injury.

Edness has been replaced by Chris Douglas whose father Stephen Douglas is among the four local umpires officiating in the six-team round robin tournament. Douglas is a solid top order bat as well as a capable wicketkeeper and off break bowler.

The BCB received approval from the ICC to replace the injured Edness for the WCL event prior to yesterday’s official commencement date. National team selectors were permitted to select from any member of the training squad rather than just the originally listed 18 players.

“We are very fortunate that the replacement process occurred at an early stage so that the selectors could replace Jekon with a player that can fulfil wicketkeeping duties if required,” coach Manders said.

“Losing Jekon at this stage is a very disappointing blow as he has been instrumental in our preparation programme. Nevertheless, the squad has sufficient depth that we are able to bring in a player of international calibre and maintain a good balance within the 14 players."