Bermuda could play three genuine spinners for the first time this summer when they take on the West Indies in a day-night game at the National Sports Centre today.

Although outgoing national coach Mark Harper insisted last night that no decision would be made until the conditions have been properly assessed this afternoon, it is understood that Harper and Bermuda skipper Clay Smith are seriously considering the move in the absence of a local seam bowler capable of troubling top class batsman.

There was also considerable doubt last night over which pitch would be used for the game.

Although the NSC's curator Trevor Madeiros and well-known local pitch expert Sheridan Raynor are said to favour a brand new strip with a healthy covering of grass - both Harper and Smith are concerned that this will play right into the hands of a West Indies seam attack boasting the likes of Corey Collymore, Merv Dillon and Dwayne Bravo.

If the coach and skipper get their way, and the match is played out on the grass-less strip nearest the the Frog Lane side of the ground, it is more than likely that Dwayne Leverock, Hasan Durham and Del Hollis will be included in the final XI.

Wicketkeeper Dean Minors, who has been wandering in the international wilderness for a number of years, is also included in the 15-man squad and is favourite to be given the nod.

His probable inclusion will certainly appease the many who have argued all season that his absence from the national team for the Americas Championship and the Intercontinental Cup earlier this summer seriously undermined the balance and quality of the national team line-up.

Speaking to The Royal Gazette last night, coach Harper was optimistic about Bermuda's chances.

“I think we can be more than competitive,” he said. “Obviously it is going to be a big challenge for our guys but on the pitches at the NSC anything is possible. I cannot tell you whether we are going to play three spinners because we are not going to make any decision on the final XI until we have looked at the conditions. We'll just have to wait and see.”

The West Indies also will not name their team until this afternoon - and it is not yet known whether captain Brian Lara will make his much-anticipated first appearance on the field.

It is rumoured that Lara decided to sit out the Windies' first game against Barbados on Tuesday because of a niggling knee injury, although the skipper looked in perfect health whilst conducting a slip practice session at the NSC yesterday afternoon.