Pace bowler Cejay Outerbridge is delighted to be back in the national side and has expressed his great desire to play a part in Bermuda’s quest to return to a cricket World Cup.

The St David’s left-arm seamer, who last played for the national team in 2018, made his comeback to the side in the Bermuda Premier League, picking up five wickets. His figures of four for ten against the Select XI at White Hill Field were his second-best since picking up five for 25 when Bermuda faced Jersey in an ICC World Cricket League Division Four encounter in November 2016.

Since his last appearance, Outerbridge has been facing adversity, including losing his job and a diminishing interest in cricket as a result of a left shoulder injury, but he is now expected to play a major role when Bermuda attempt to qualify for next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup via the Americas Regional Qualifier, which starts on island at the end of the month.

“I’m back and we’re going to the World Cup for sure as we’re committed 100 per cent,’’ Outerbridge said.

“It’s actually good to be back. It feels good and I am happy. That’s the main thing, to be happy and have a good bunch of guys to play with. I’m excited and ready to put in some good overs.

“I've been out since 2018 on the last tour to Malaysia. I was actually just taking a break from the national team and was focusing on work at the time.

“I lost my job when Covid-19 struck, so I wasn't really focusing on cricket as much as I used to.

“Once I I found a job, I got back up and running. Halfway through this season, I felt like I needed to step up and take it serious again, so I jumped back into the game.

“I was on and off throughout the season and I didn't want to overwork my body. I've been playing cricket since I was 13 for the senior team at St David’s and a little break doesn't hurt. It does the body good.

“I had a slight shoulder injury and it wasn't going to heal up without a break, so I let that rest for a little bit and let the youngsters have a go on the field.

Outerbridge has enjoyed working with national coach Niraj Odedra over the last few months.

“I enjoy working with him,’’ he said. “He gives us good training sessions, makes us put in the hard work and it’s showing on the field.”

Odedra views the seamer as a great addition to the side bowling bringing a different dimension to Bermuda’s attack, with Outerbridge now part of an initial squad of 18 from which the final 15 will be chosen for the World Cup qualifiers.

“Left-arm pace bowling is a wonderful art that always brings a big variation to the team,’’ Odedra said.

“He’s different, he’s skilful and really good off the wicket. When I looked at him, I thought he could be part of our team. In the last few months we've been working with him and it’s come out nice. He is a young bowler and he likes to commit himself.

“I like him as a cricketer and he is part of our 18. That’s how it’s going to be until the end of this month, he’ll be part of the squad of 18 people.”