Jamaican captain Courtney Walsh yesterday backed Bermuda's bid to stage a game when the cricket World Cup comes to the West Indies in 2007.

Walsh, who was speaking exclusively to the Royal Gazette , and heads Bermuda's opening game against Jamaica in the Red Stripe Bowl today, said it would be a fitting reward for the passion the Island has shown the Caribbean game.

Asked if Bermuda should be awarded a game in the tournament, which is expected to bring in $500 million to the region, the giant fast-bowler replied: "Definitely, definitely. I think that Bermuda has a great passion and appreciation for the game in the Caribbean.'' A recent article in Caribbean Cricket Quarterly Magazine suggested that the West Indian public in general would take a lot of convincing that Bermuda and the US, as associate members of the International Cricket Council, should be given matches in the 12-nation competition.

But Walsh said: "A lot of people in Bermuda come down here to watch the Test matches. I think it would be nice for their fans to get a game up there.'' Meanwhile Walsh said the hosts were not taking anything for granted in today's match.

"We don't know as much about Bermuda's team as we'd like to,'' said Walsh, who was recently awarded the Order of Jamiaca -- the highest honour his country can bestow. "We played against them a few times, but we probably don't know them as well as we do some of those from the other islands. "They are here to do a job and I'm sure that they will want to do well against the Jamaicans. We've got to try and make sure that doesn't happen.'' Of his own side, Walsh said: "We've got a good balanced squad and I'm just looking to the guys to show some commitment and to be ready for the tournament. We've got to make sure that we do what we can over the week to qualify.'' Bermuda will come up against the batting talents of Ricardo Powell, who is being hailed as the Caribbean's new Viv Richards.

Meanwhile, doubt was thrown over whether Bermuda fast bowler David Gibbs would make his international debut against his native Jamaica in the Red Stripe Bowl this morning after coach Allan Douglas delayed namimg his team last night.

Douglas and captain Charlie Marshall were having discussions late into the night as they agonised over the decision.

Gibbs struggled in a practice session at the Melbourne Ground in Kingston yesterday morning, having problems with his direction and the Bermuda officials may choose to gamble on the big match temperament of 16-year-old off-spinner Stephen Outerbridge.

If Outerbridge does get the nod, it will be a massive disappointment for the quickie, twice Outerbridge's age, who was born and brought up in Kingston before moving to Bermuda in his mid teens.

Gibbs is lithe and strong and on the right wicket would no doubt be a handful, but the pitch at Melbourne was soft, the ball came off the wicket slowly, negating some of his threat.

The local daily newspapers finally caught onto Gibbs' story today. One of them plastering their back page with the headline `Gibbs comes home'.

They might have to change their story should Outerbridge be called in to supplement slow left-armer Peter Philpott.

One should not expect too much of him too soon, as spinners are notoriously slow to develop, but the national under-19 captain is hugely promising.

The other question mark hangs over who will open the batting.

Dennis Archer, who had a wretched domestic season for Police, amassing just 312 runs at an average of 20.8, scoring only one half century in 17 innings, seems a certain starter.

He impressed in the middle yesterday and he also gives Marshall another bowling option.

So Dexter Smith and Irving Romaine would appear to be vying for the opportunity to partner him. Smith, at the time of writing, seemed to be a slight favourite after nine scores of 50 or more in the Bermuda season.

Douglas explained: "Dennis was middling everything today. He has always looked a good batsman but he often only comes good playing for his country.'' Hasan Durham, the other left-arm spinner, looks set to be the other unlucky member of the 14-man squad.

Probable team: Archer, Smith or Romaine, Steede, Basden, Marshall, Adams, Trott, Tucker, Philpott, Bascome, Gibbs or Outerbridge.

Give Bermuda a chance: Courtney Walsh, who believes the Island should be allowed to host a match during the 2007 World Cup.