OJ Pitcher, the Bermuda captain, believes the World Cricket League Division Four tournament could be significant in shaping the island’s cricketing future.

Bermuda will look to hit the ground running when they face the United States in their opening game at Woodley Park in Los Angeles today.

Pitcher, who opened the batting for Bermuda in their first two preparation matches against Canada, will be leading the team for the first time in an international competition.

“This tournament has significant meaning, not just for myself and the team, but for cricket in Bermuda as a whole,” said Pitcher, a member of Bermuda’s 2007 World Cup squad.

“Qualifying and being promoted puts us one step closer to more funding for the development of the sport at the senior and junior levels.

“It also puts us one step closer to reaching our main goal of repeating what we achieved in 2005, qualifying for the biggest stage in our sport.”

Pitcher is optimistic that Bermuda can fulfil their mission, but voiced concern over the state of the pitches at Woodley Park.

“The only concern I have is the conditions of the grounds that we will be playing on,” he said.

“There have not been any international matches played at the ground in the past so we have no idea what to expect.”

Bermuda were forced to tweak their squad at the eleventh hour with experienced all-rounder Janeiro Tucker coming out of retirement to replace injured vice-captain Terryn Fray, who broke a finger during the final warm-up match against Canada at the National Sports Centre on Monday.

Tucker hit a match-winning century against the US at the ICC Trophy in Ireland in 2005, where he led Bermuda as they qualified for the 2007 World Cup in the absence of injured captain and present coach Clay Smith.

Pitcher, Tucker and wicketkeeper Dean Minors, who has also come out of international retirement, are the three survivors from Bermuda’s World Cup squad.

Bermuda’s squad in Los Angeles also includes top all-rounder Dion Stovell and English-based players Delray Rawlins and Kamau Leverock, who claimed five wickets in Bermuda’s 71-run loss to Canada on Monday.

Denmark, Italy, Jersey and Oman are the remaining countries competing at the first World Cricket League tournament held in the US.

The top two countries will be promoted to Division Three while the bottom two will take the plunge to Division Five. The third and fourth teams will remain in Division Four.