Dwayne Leverock reckons he is up for the challenge of helping Bermuda defend their Americas Division One title in Florida next week and is determined to put his best foot forward.

Even by his own lofty standards the left-arm spin king has enjoyed huge success on the international stage this year and his match-haul of ten for 129 against Canada in the Intercontinental Cup last summer may have enhanced his chances of being named Bermuda's Male Athlete of the Year for the second year running.

Leverock, however, isn't concerned about personal glory at the moment but more importantly has set his sights on seeing to it that the coveted Americas title remains on local soil.

"It's not about me, but more about the team's success. I just have to play for the team and do whatever it is they want me to do. I just have to adjust myself accordingly and do what is necessary for the team," he told The Royal Gazette.

In terms of team selection, Leverock believes the selectors have assembled a winning combination but has warned his team-mates not to take "anybody for granted".

"We have to be concerned about all of the teams competing and take things one game at a time," he added. "It's important that we don't look past any of the teams.

"I think our team has a good blend of youth and experience and if we can play as a unit then the sky will be the limit. Team unity will certainly be the key for us."

And so will Leverock's disguised arm ball – a key element in his repertoire – which could be called upon early should Bermuda's opening pair Justin Pitcher and Stefan Kelly fail to make the breakthrough on surfaces which are expected to favour the slower bowlers.

"I have done it (open the bowling) before," he pointed out. "It can be a bit of a challenge but you can also get more bounce and get the ball to skid along. It all depends on the surface.

"We just have to assess the pitch conditions before game time and bowl the ball in the right areas regardless of what the surface may be like."

St.David's islander Pitcher is set to make his Bermuda debut at this level and Leverock is confident the promising all-rounder can deliver the goods against quality opposition.

"I am confident Justin will rise to the challenge. I know he will do his best," he said. "This is a team effort and I back both of my opening bowlers."

Bermuda depart for Florida tomorrow and will officially launch their Americas title defence against Cayman Islands next Tuesday.

Also on tour they will come up against an unknown quantity in division newcomers Suriname and will have to contend with fellow tournament favourites Canada and USA during the six-team regional tournament.

According to the latest Associate rankings, Bermuda's Americas rivals Canada (fifth) and Argentina (13th) are ranked above them. Cayman Islands and Bermuda are ranked 16th an 17th respectively.

Leverock, however, doesn't buy into team rankings.

"Rankings don't really bother us or show our ability. It's all about who shows up to play on the day, that's what matters most to me," he said.

"Morale in the camp is high. It's a great vibe and everyone is looking forward to doing what it is they have to do."

Accompanying Bermuda's squad to Florida are senior Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association (BCUA) members Steven Douglas and Roger Dill who will officiate in the biennial tournament.

As the father of senior national squad all-rounder Chris Douglas, top umpire Douglas and son are now on the verge of making Bermuda cricket history as the first father and son combination to appear in an ICC-sanctioned tournament.

Warwick all-rounder Douglas burst onto the senior international scene last August in Toronto where he hit back-to-back half centuries against Canada and the West Indies to cap off a memorable debut at that level.

Bermuda squad: Irving Romaine (capt), Rodney Trott (vice-capt), Glenn Blakeney, Chris Douglas, Delyone Borden, Tamauri Tucker, Oronde Bascome, Stephen Outerbridge, Stefan Kelly, Jekon Edness, David Hemp, Justin Pitcher, Dwayne Leverock, Lionel Cann.