Sports Minister and former cricketer El James yesterday revealed Bermuda could host an Intercontinental Cup match at the National Sports Centre (NSC) this summer - should the controversial pitch receive the thumbs up from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Bermuda are currently scheduled to face fellow Associate member Scotland in Canada, in July.

However, James is optimistic the match can be moved to Bermuda to enable the Island to host its first international match in nearly four years.

"I have some of the best in Bermuda who are telling me they can get the wicket ready and if we are found to be ready than we should host our first match in July against Scotland," James told reporters at a press conference yesterday. "So I am taking them at their word and have total confidence in them."

According to James, who claimed a record five for two representing Bermuda at the 1982 ICC Trophy in England, an ICC pitch expert will fly in to inspect the pitch and ensure it meets the required standards.

The NSC last catered to first-class cricket in 2004 when Bermuda hosted the Americas Regional Division One Championships that was won by Canada.

"I was up at the NSC yesterday (Tuesday) and I think we have a tentative commitment based on an inspection that is going to take place in the next few months. And it will be ready for the four-day match," James continued. "The experts haven't given me their formula, but they told me that with the roller, sunshine, a little water and manpower they will have that wicket ready at a level that will make us proud."

Clifford Wade, general manager of the NSC, is also confident his groundstaff can produce a quality batting strip capable of meeting ICC standards.

"We are going to produce the best wicket possible," he declared. "We have consulted with local groundsman and right now we are just waiting for the weather to warm up."

Among those Wade has consulted with is veteran groundsman Sheridan Raynor, who accompanied James at the 1982 ICC Trophy as a Bermuda team official.

In a recent interview with The Royal Gazette national coach Gus Logie lamented Bermuda's inability to host first-class matches since qualifying for the 2007 World Cup. However, yesterday's announcement is sure to be welcomed by national squad players who may now get a long overdue opportunity to showcase their skills on home turf in front of their own fans.

"It is something that we have been waiting for a long time and we are working closely with Government and the trustees to try and pull this thing together as such," said Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) president Reggie Pearman.

As it presently stands there are only two venues in the ICC Americas region that have been granted approval to host One Day Internationals (ODI) - with both located in Toronto (Toronto Cricket Club and King's City).

Bermuda obtained ODI status in 2005 but to date are yet to play an ODI on home soil, something ICC Americas regional development manager Martin Vieira believes to be of great value to the Island's cricket development.

"It's vital to have at least one facility that can host matches at that level," he told The Royal Gazette. "When you reach a higher level you need an ODI facility that can accommodate first-class cricket."