One name included among the 14-man Bermuda squad announced last Tuesday night which barely raised an eyebrow in the Island?s cricketing circles was that of Western Stars? allrounder Saleem Mukuddem.

It is a testament to how well the South African has done on the field since arriving from the Cape to work as an accountant almost four and half years ago that absolutely nobody has even vaguely questioned the inclusion of this non-Bermudian in the side.

Impressively consistent during his time with Stars and equally strong with both bat and ball, Mukuddem should be a permanent fixture throughout Bermuda?s Americas Championship campaign, strengthening the middle order at number six and either opening the bowling or coming on first-change with his medium pace seamers.

At his club, the South African has grown into an immensely popular and respected figure, looked up to by the youngsters and admired by his more senior team-mates.

Indeed, his positive attitude, tireless work ethic and excellent cricketing brain ? Mukuddem was invited by the Bermuda Cricket Board to sit on their newly formed Technical Committee during the winter ? has earned the 34 year-old a wide body of admirers across Bermuda?s cricketing fraternity and ensured that he will be guaranteed a number of opportunities over the next week to build further on his already considerable reputation.

All involved with Bermuda cricket will be hoping that he can repeat, on the international stage, the heroics he produced at last year?s Cup Match when he broke the batting record for a Cup Match debutant with a chanceless 106 not out at Wellington Oval.

Despite being the only foreigner in the national squad, Mukuddem says he has been made to feel welcome within the group.

?At first, being a non-Bermudian involved with the national team was an issue at the back of my mind,? he admitted.

?At Stars, I have been there a while now and have earned the respect of my club mates. But I was worried about how the national team players would feel about having an outsider amongst them. But I have to say the reaction has been nothing but positive.

?Clay Smith and all the senior players have made me feel right at home and from a personal point of view I?m just really looking forward to getting out there and stretching myself against the other countries.?

Pressed on how he viewed his role within the set-up, Mukuddem said that he was hoping to act as a foil to some of Bermuda?s more explosive shot-makers in the middle order, rotating the strike as often the possible and shepherding the tail in the latter stages of Bermuda?s innings.

He will also have an important job to do with the ball throughout the week.

?In the past I?ve been led to believe the national team has had a problem with sudden batting collapses,? he said.

?I think the coach and the captain see me providing some ballast at number six ? to stabilise the innings if we lose a few guys early on and make sure we have wickets in hand going into the last ten.?

Mukuddem was also confident with the all-round ability of the local squad, and felt sure that if the team played to its best Bermuda would finish in the top three and progress to Ireland for the ICC Trophy next year.

?The team does have a terrific balance and considerable talent,? he said.

?We have a nice mix of experience and youth while there is a lot of batting and good deal of variety in the bowling department. Some people might say our fielding is a weak point but as long as we get the best fielders in the crucial positions, everything should be fine. We all just cannot wait to get started, and hopefully we can do the Bermuda public proud.?