Bermuda coach Gus Logie yesterday defended a decision to exclude St.David?s pace ace George O?Brien jr from the Island?s Intercontinental Cup squad that suffered a crushing nine-wicket defeat against Canada earlier this week in Toronto.

The coach opted instead to go ahead with new-ball partners Ryan Steede and Kevin Hurdle who shared six wickets between them during the match.

According to Logie, O?Brien was not up to par for the physically demanding four-day contest, and so team officials decided it was best to rest one of the Island?s premier strike bowlers for the upcoming one day series of matches.

?As far as we were concerned George was not at full fitness. Even during our training sessions (prior to Intercontinental Cup) he complained about a few sore muscles here and there and we felt it would be better to rest him for the four-day game knowing that we have a lot of one-day cricket coming up,? Logie explained.

?Chances were that George might not have been all that ready for the four-day game especially after playing Cup Match where he bowled some long spells which did take its toll on his general fitness.

?We felt the four days leading up to the one day game was a good opportunity for him to regain his fitness, and that?s the reason why George wasn?t included in the set up.?

O?Brien, however, could share the new ball tomorrow at Toronto Cricket Club where Bermuda lock horns with hosts Canada in the first of two official ODIs.

?We expect him (O?Brien) to be fully fit for the game on Saturday, and hopefully through the rest of the one day series. And every player we have on tour will definitely get the opportunity to play between now and the end of the series,? Logie added.

Bermuda held an early morning practice session at Toronto Cricket Club yesterday morning as well as batting and bowling practice in indoor facilities in the afternoon.

Towering seam bowler Ryan Steede and Kwame Tucker both passed fitness tests during yesterday?s session, which saw assistant coach Herbie Bascome continue to impress with his assortment of fielding drills.

?Kwame looked very good while also came through today?s session fine,? team physio Craig Brown said.

Meanwhile, fast bowler Stefan Kelly joined the squad in Toronto last night and could be included in coach Logie?s plans for Saturday on a grassy wicket expected to play to the bowler?s strengths.

Bermuda wicketkeeper Dean Minors also returned home yesterday for family related reasons.

Minors has battled emotionally with the illness of his mother in recent weeks, and has asked to be excused for the upcoming one day commitments in Toronto.

Bermuda team officials summoned the services of St.David?s allrounder Arthur Pitcher jr as a replacement for Islander?s team-mate Delyone Borden due to leave Toronto on Sunday to return to studies in the US. However, it is believed Pitcher is unavailable because of work commitments, leaving Bermuda team officials with no other option than to go with what players they presently have at their disposal.