Having acclimatised to their new surroundings in South Africa, Bermuda national squad all-rounders OJ Pitcher and Delyone Borden are reportedly hard at work, refining their cricket skills at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University International Cricket Academy.

The talented St.David's pair are currently in their third week of studies at the academy under the tutelage of former Tests player Kepler Wessels.

So far Pitcher and Borden have had video footage taped of their batting techniques and bowling actions in addition to undergoing muscular-skeletal screenings to detect any potential tissue damage associated with flawed physical techniques.

Those scans confirmed a problem that Borden had been experiencing with his feet and the player has since had his shoes fitted with new orthotics.

That aside, the two Bermudians, challenging for spots on the Island's ICC Trophy squad due to travel to Ireland in July, continue to make steady strides at the prestigious academy.

Training, noted Borden, was extremely intense.

"It has been very rigorous but a very valuable first two weeks," he said. "We have completed all the initial fitness screenings and, as suggested by Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB), I received specialist attention to my muscular-skeletal and bio-kinetic details which has revealed the need for orthotics to alleviate potential future back pains.

"The video analysis was helpful and I will be working hard on my balance whilst batting, especially trying to eliminate my tendency to lean towards the off-side."

Borden has also enjoyed extra-curricular activities, indulging himself in off-campus tours to nearby safaris, National Parks and Oceanariums.

"The non-cricket activities have been very interesting," he continued. "And I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people that helped get me here."

Pitcher has also fast discovered just what it takes to elevate his cricket to the next level.

"It has been hard work," the St.George's Cup Match all-rounder pointed out.

"The fitness work and assessments were demanding but I have a good sense for what my goals need to be to prepare for the tournament (ICC Trophy) in July.

"And it has been an eye-opener for me to appreciate the improvements that need to be made to progress to an elite cricketer."

Pitcher and Borden are presently following in the footsteps of fellow St.David's Islander, Chris Foggo, Western Stars' Jekon Edness and Somerset Cup Match all-rounder, Jacobi Robinson ? reportedly on the move to Stars this summer ? as Bermudians having also attended the academy.

Robinson created a big stir last year when he threatened to abort his studies in South Africa after scans revealed a previously undetected back injury, a move that ruffled feathers on the Board.

Robinson, however, eventually had a change of heart and completed the course.

Pitcher in the past has undergone trials at Middlesex County Cricket Club while enjoying a playing stint at Surrey County league side, Pyrford, under former national coach Roland Butcher.

Both players currently enrolled at the academy represented Bermuda last summer in the Americas Championships held on local soil and also during the ICC Inter Continental Cup tournament staged locally and in Toronto.