Delray Rawlins is expected to raise Bermuda’s hopes ahead of their crucial World Cricket League Division Four match against unbeaten Denmark in Los Angeles today.

The Sussex Academy all-rounder missed the first two games of the tournament, which Bermuda lost to the United States and Oman, because of his commitments with the England Young Lions.

Rawlins arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday and will provide Bermuda’s bowling attack with another option with his slow left arm, as well as strengthening the batting order.

The 19-year-old had a successful season with the Sussex Academy, scoring an 117 not out for their Second XI against the Durham Second XI at Blackstone Academy Ground in Woodmancote, West Sussex, last month.

Rawlins completed his education at Bede’s Senior School this summer by being named Sportsman of the Year and was also selected in the England and Wales Cricket Board’s Young Lions International Pathway group for the winter.

The Bermuda Under-19 captain has been selected in a group to attend training camps in both Loughborough and Dubai next month and December, possibly being included on the Lions tour to India early next year.

More than 50 players between the ages of 17 and 30 have been selected for involvement with England development teams.

Bermuda suffered defeat in their first two outings and can ill-afford the same result against Denmark at the Wong Field, Leo Magnus Cricket Complex, as it would dash their hopes of promotion and plunge them into a relegation battle.

Denmark are top of the standings on net run rate after making a strong start to the tournament, beating Italy by 114 runs and Jersey by six wickets.

There are six countries participating in Los Angeles with the top two advancing to Division Three, third and fourth remaining in the division while the bottom two will be relegated to Division Five.

Bermuda are bottom with an inferior net run rate to Jersey and Italy, the two teams directly above them, who are also both without a victory.

Coach Clay Smith’s side suffered a humbling eight-wicket defeat against the US in their opening match and then lost to Oman by four wickets on Sunday.

The US and Oman, who upset ICC Associate powerhouse Ireland at this year’s World Twenty20, are both unbeaten and level on points with Denmark.

Today’s remaining fixtures will pit the US against Oman at the Wright ground, while Italy will take on Jersey at the Severn ground.

• The Bermuda Cricket Board is offering ICC Level One and ICC Level Two coaching courses next month.

Rich Hall and Dan Feist, both English Cricket Board certified trainers, will be delivering the courses. For more details call the BCB on 292-8958.