In 1988, at the age of 22, Dexter Basden made his Cup Match debut at Wellington Oval. From a batting perspective, things were certainly inauspicious.

He was adjudged leg-before for nought. “I remember being quite nervous and having Charlie [Marshall] and Noel [Gibbons] taunting me,” he recalls. “However, I have always been a believer that good players bounce back. If you don’t get runs, take wickets or catches.”

In the second innings, while bowling, he did just that, and subsequently had the last laugh. He dismissed yours truly for 96, and followed this up by claiming the scalps of his aforementioned sledgers — Marshall and Gibbons — for their respective pairs, or ducks, in the match.

***

Name: Dexter Calvin Basden.

Date of birth: February 12, 1966.

Start in cricket: I was a part of the cricket programme at West End Primary. After school, Bob Jones, the national coach, took us to the Southampton Naval Base and, later, to Saltus for training. I began playing league cricket at the age of 12, along with my brother, Richard, who was 11.

Willow Cuts were short one day and our uncle, Charles Fubler, brought us into the side. The opponents that day were Police Recreation Club. I remember facing Oliver Bain at the time.

Length of cricket career: I started at age 12 and played league cricket up until 2016. In respect to Cup Match, I played for 14 years. In fact, when I made my debut in 1988, I came in for my brother, “Hooks”, who was suspended at the time.

Role on the team: I was a No 3 batsman in my early years and later moved up to become an opener.

Childhood memories in the game: My uncle, Rodney Fubler, was very instrumental in my development. After he knocked off from work, he would come straight home, and Richard and I would have the wickets up and the gear ready.

He would train us right there in the yard, where we had our own pitch. He also put a ball on a string for us. We spent hours using this. In the neighbourhood, we played cricket with friends such as Gladwin Edness, Reggie Tucker Jr and Trevor Forth.

Teams played for: Willow Cuts (39 years), Bailey’s Bay (Eastern Counties Cup; Charlie Marshall got me involved in that), Somerset (Cup Match), Bermuda Under-19, Bermuda (Red Stripe Bowl).

Nickname: Skipper.

Favourite local match you played in: The 1996 Cup Match victory at Somerset was the highlight. Clay Smith was the captain of St George’s and we figured that would be their weak link, as he was fresh and still green as a skipper.

That was the game that in which Albert Steede scored a century and the famous overthrow from Clarkie Trott took place during the last over of the game. What made that victory particularly sweet was that Somerset had not won for 14 years.

Best international feat: From a statistical point of view, it transpired while touring in England with Bermuda Under-19. We played against a university team and I produced bowling figures of 7-5-2-5.

My inswingers were swinging big for me on that occasion. (However, being humble as he is, Dexter was reminded of his role, as vice-captain, in that most memorable achievement, in 1985 while playing for the Bermuda Under-19 team, against England North, at Somerset Cricket Club.

In the final, Bermuda were tasked with chasing down 275 by a side that included Michael Atherton. Dexter scored 51 in an opening partnership of 102 with Albert Steede. Bermuda lost only three wickets in etching their names for ever in the history books.)

Favourite venue: Without hesitation, Somerset Cricket Club — my home ground. I knew the field, the pitch and the groundsman.

He would give me tips about how we could expect the pitch to play. Even now, when I stop by the ground, I sometimes pause and reflect on the Cup Match memories.

Favourite international player: Brian Lara. I saw him score the 400 not out in Antigua. We also played against him in the Red Stripe Bowl, in the late 1990s.

I was fielding in the covers and he kept banging them past me. We had rooms next to each other at the hotel and we became friends. Later, when he was brought to Bermuda for a conference, he signed a bat for my son.

Most difficult opponent: None really, as I didn’t fear anyone. I love competing against harder opposition.

Number one supporter: Starting out, it was my two grannies — Grace Basden and Maryanne Fubler. They would listen to Jim Woolridge on the radio and then when I went to visit them, they would have lots to tell me about the games. Obviously, my mom, and all my uncles. Rodney, as I indicated, spent a lot of time developing our skills.

Pre-match routine(s): Before every game, my bat was cleaned and all the ball marks removed. I would also, even up to age 50, put on my gloves, and helmet and pick up my bat and shadow strokes in front of the mirror in my living room.

Favourite dish while playing: Nothing in particular. I love food, so I’d eat some of everything. I’d burn up the energy on the field.

Biggest regret while playing: I regret not retiring as captain after Somerset won the Cup in 1996. I should have just continued on as a player. In 1997, we lost three players from the previous year, with Jeff Richardson and Roger Blades being two of them.

The whole spirit of the team was different that year and I think, because we had won the previous year, that we took things for granted in 1997 when we lost in St George’s. (That was the year that Herbie Bascome and Gary Brangman both produced spells of unerring accuracy while bagging six-wicket hauls each.)

Any superstitions: None.

Funniest thing you have seen in cricket: While touring England, with Willow Cuts, we went to a Test at Lord’s. Play was held up as a female streaker ran on to the field and proceeded to run to the middle and jump over the stumps. The stewards chased her down and she was escorted away. The next day, many of the newspapers carried a photo of the incident.

Hobbies: Fishing and watching basketball on television — I’m a Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks fan.

A key to your success: Eldon Bristol took a special interest in me and informed me that he was grooming me to be a leader. He told me to respect the game and to respect the umpires. I trained hard and became super-fit, and consequently, never got tired. I had a passion and love for the game.

My brother and I ate, slept and drank cricket. We would spend lots of time evenings, analysing what took place during matches.

Advice to today’s cricketers: Don’t try to be bigger than the game. Respect the umpire’s decisions — I just walked.

Motto you believe in: If you’re a Cut, you’ve Cut to be good.

***

As our interview concluded, Dexter acknowledged: “I’m glad that I played Cup Match for Somerset. They are like family. Even today I can walk in the club and get respect.

I must say that while I was captain, the president, Reginald Pearman, and the secretary, Charlotte “Molly” Simons, treated me very well. I have a lot of respect for both of them.”

It must be stated that Dexter Basden is one of the most respected cricketers I have known in Bermuda. I can honestly acknowledge that I have never heard anyone say a bad word about him.

He has made numerous lifelong friends through cricket. He counts among them three of St George’s most competitive practitioners: Charlie Marshall, Clay Smith and Noel Gibbons.

By the way, add to that list one Brian Charles Lara.