Not the squad that might have been expected, and the team might yet also include a few surprises. Bermuda head coach David Moore is looking at all his options ahead of next week's Intercontinental Shield clash with United Arab Emirates.

Missing are Janeiro Tucker, Dwayne Leverock and OJ Pitcher, while bowlers Justin Pitcher and Stephan Dill are part of an extended group of 17 players that will be trimmed down to 14 or 15 by Friday.

The ones that don't make it will be sent back to their clubs to play in domestic cricket this weekend, but will also be available to be part of the one-day and Twenty20 teams that play UAE after the four-day game finishes on Thursday, July 8.

Two other players are also likely to be added to the squad for the 50 overs and Twenty/20 matches, with PHC duo Jason Anderson and Dean Stephens piquing the selectors' interest with their recent domestic performances.

OJ Pitcher is unavailable for the four-day game starting on Monday because of school commitments, but will be back for the limited overs matches, Janeiro Tucker has been left out as Bermuda try to manage his return from a knee injury, while Leverock has only just returned from international retirement and was deemed unready.

"I had a meeting with Dwayne. We discussed a few issues and we both came to the agreement that we want him to work towards (the Division Two tournament in) April," said Moore.

"He's only just come out of international retirement, so he hasn't really trained with the group enough to walk straight back into the side.

"But he knows full well that we would like him to press for selection, we know he is a very good player.

"We've got a plan for Dwayne and we want him to be ready to play in games building up to April."

Justin Pitcher and Dill meanwhile are two of the six pace bowlers who have made the initial cut, as have Stefan Kelly, Jordan DeSilva, Kevin Tucker and Jim West.

Of those six, Kelly is almost certain to play, while Dill probably isn't yet ready for the rigours of a four-day game.

With Justin Pitcher only recently returning from injury, the likelihood is that DeSilva, Kevin Tucker and West will battle it out for two spots.

All six however will be given the opportunity to press their case as Bermuda begin all-day training today in the build-up to the game.

"The issue is the competition amongst the bowlers, plus their workloads recently have been quite large, and I just want to make sure they are all fresh. I can't take any bowlers into the game who aren't fresh," said Moore.

"We've only got a small number of fast bowling spots in the team, and we have got a large number of fast bowlers who over the last tournament have shown they can actually be part of the programme. People need an opportunity to prove themselves and show that they're good to go."

How many of the quick bowlers are included however all depends on the balance of a side that is still very much open to debate, and whether Moore goes with two spinners or one.

The top of the order could be affected by a disciplinary hearing which Fiqre Crockwell is expected to have to attend tomorrow following an incident in PHC's game against Devonshire Rec this past weekend. If Crockwell is suspended, that could then open the door for Terryn Fray to make the team.

While some are calling for skipper David Hemp to open the batting, with Janeiro Tucker and OJ Pitcher out, the balance of the side doesn't seem to afford Moore that luxury. Chris Douglas has also been omitted, but his lack of runs for club side Willow Cuts, plus his recent brush with coach Moore have counted against him.

Performance in domestic cricket is also likely to play a big part in which of the three spinners in the squad, Rodney Trott, Joshua Gilbert and Tamauri Tucker, play against UAE.

Despite being the more senior member of the three, Trott has been plying his trade in the First Division this season, not terribly successfully as it turns out, and that may well count against him. As it is likely to count against others in the future.

As the expected inclusion of Anderson and Stephens is likely to show, it's all about performance for the selectors, and finding the best group of players to be successful in April.

"I'm paying attention to everyone on the Island who's scoring runs and taking wickets," said Moore. "I want to get as many people in the squad, and give them all opportunities to perform so that I know when we come to pick the final team we have the best group of players, not just the best names on the Island.

"What I want to start seeing from blokes is them scoring runs and taking wickets in club cricket. I have got to have reasons to pick them."

Bermuda squad: David Hemp (captain), Stephen Outerbridge (Vice Captain), Chris Foggo, Fiqre Crockwell, Irving Romaine, Shannon Rayner, Terryn Fray, Jekon Edness, Rodney Trott, Joshua Gilbert, Tamauri Tucker, Stefan Kelly, Jordan DeSilva, Kevin Tucker, Jim West, Stephan Dill, Justin Pitcher.