Hemp appointed new national team skipper
David Hemp has been identified as the man to lead Bermuda into a new era and is set to replace Irving Romaine as captain, coach Gus Logie has revealed.
Logie said Hemp would skipper the Island in their upcoming matches against Uganda with his protégé Stephen Outerbridge likely to be named as his deputy.
Hemp, 38, starred with the bat during the World Cup qualifiers in South Africa where he amassed the most runs (557), topped the tournament batting averages (185.67) and hit the highest individual score, an unbeaten 170 against Bermuda's next opponents.
"It's no secret we're looking at David Hemp (as captain)," Logie said. "At this point in time he's the most experienced player and he has done pretty well as a captain in county cricket, so we're looking at him in the short term. Having Stephen Outerbridge as his deputy is something we will also be discussing."
Logie, who steps down from his post after the Uganda matches, believes Hemp has all the attributes to not only be a first-class captain for Bermuda, but also become a future national coach.
"He (Hemp) brings a lot of professionalism and leadership skills which hopefully he can pass on to the younger guys," said Logie. "His whole approach to the game is excellent as well as the organisational skills he brings.
"I think he has the ability to coach the team. That could be a progression for him, from captain to coach, if he so desired."
Question marks have been raised over Romaine's leadership qualities following Bermuda's disappointing performance at the World Cup qualifiers in April, and it now remains unclear whether he wants to continue representing for his country.
Logie, however, insisted the door was still open for the 36-year-old carry on as a national team player and said his experience could prove valuable in the absence of retired trio Dwayne Leverock, Lionel Cann and Janeiro Tucker.
"No, he (Irving) will not be skipper but he will have the opportunity to play as we still need some experienced players around.
"We've spoken before about it and Irving has been very level-headed and knows exactly what the situation is. I don't think it's something he's willing to hang onto at any costs.
"It's an opportunity for change and Irving is okay with that. It's time for a different direction and he knows the captaincy hampered his form as well."
Bermuda's four-day match against Uganda at the National Sports Centre will be the opening skirmish in the new ICC Intercontinental Shield. The tournament, which also features Oman and Denmark, was inaugurated at the suggestion of BCB chief Neil Speight to allow extra competition for the countries left out of the ICC Intercontinental Cup – world cricket's flagship tournament for associate countries.
They then play the Africans in two day-night 50-over games and a 20-20 match under floodlights, which marks Logie's final game as coach.
"No, it won't be emotional for me, I've been in this thing for too long," said Logie. "Hopefully I'll leave with a win and help Bermuda start off on a good foot in the Intercontinental Shield."
Historically, Bermuda cricketers have tended to take their foot off the gas after Cup Match and Logie admitted he was concerned his players' motivational levels would slide as the end of the season closes in.
"I know after Cup Match some players switch off and I hope all the players make themselves available." Logie said. "I've said before, you can do all the fancy things but motivation has to come from within."
Although Bermuda beat Uganda in South Africa in a record breaking win, chasing down a massive total of 352, Logie has warned against complacency.
"They (Uganda) are a hardworking team and very aggressive in the field – a bit like Kenya. They will give you a run for your money. They're new to the four-day game but we know what they can do in the shorter version. Playing at home should be an advantage for us and we need to make the most of that."
August 17-20 – Bermuda v Uganda (ICC Intercontinental Shield)
August 22 – Bermuda v Uganda (50-over day/night match)
August 23 – Bermuda v Uganda (50-over day/night match)
August 24 – Bermuda v Uganda (Twenty20, 6 p.m. start)