David Hemp named Bermuda captain

David Hemp has been named Bermuda captain for this month's series against Uganda. He was widely expected to take over from Irving Romaine, who led the side during the dismal campaign in the World Cup qualifiers in April. Steven Outerbridge, 26, was made vice-captain of the 13-man squad announced on Sunday.

The side was missing several key players; left-arm batsman Glenn Blakeney was ruled out after injuring his knee ligaments, and medium-pacer Stefan Kelly was also not considered. Delyone Borden was not selected due to personal family reasons while work commitments kept Kyle Hodsoll out.

Besides a four-day Intercontinental Shield match, Bermuda will host Uganda for two 50-over matches and a Twenty20.

Bermuda squad: David Hemp (capt), Steven Outerbridge (vice-capt), Irving Romaine, Chris Douglas, Terryn Fray, Rodney Trott, Tamauri Tucker, Jekon Edness, Fiqre Crockwell, Justin Pitcher, Malachi Jones, Jordan de Silva, Kevon Fubler

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Irving Romaine has "no regrets" about his time as captain after he was sacked as skipper, three years into a reign that has seen Bermuda lose their ODI status as well qualification to the next World Cup.

"I've enjoyed every minute of my time as ¬captain - I did my best and I have no regrets," he told The Bermuda Sun. "I'm still in decent shape and I'm looking to play for another year or two as a batsman and ¬enjoy my cricket for a while ¬without having to worry about all the other stuff that goes with ¬being captain."

The man to replace him in the short-term is Hemp, the former Glamorgan captain, but aged 38 he hardly represents the cutting edge of youth. Nevertheless, Hemp remains Bermuda's best batsman by a country mile, and will at least offer a steady hand as the team try to claw their way back into the international fold.

Bermuda lost their one-day status during the World Cup Qualifiers in South Africa earlier this year, a calamitous tournament for them which prompted the coach, Gus Logie, to announce that he wouldn't be continuing after his contract expires in September. Logie angered his players by venting his fury at their lack of desire in an interview with Cricinfo.

It is understood that Logie has recommended Hemp to be captain in the interim, and the batsman himself was keenly aware that he is far from a long-term candidate.

"I was fortunate enough to ¬captain at county level in ¬England and to step it up and do it internationally for Bermuda would be a great honour," Hemp said. "It would need someone who is a bit younger than me that could be an understudy for a few years and hopefully learn from my experience."

Batsman Lionel Cann, allrounder Janeiro Tucker and Dwayne Leverock have all retired in recent months, as Bermuda face an uphill challenge to regain international status.