Age no barrier for Leverock
Dwayne Leverock has a cult following after his World Cup performances last year
Bermuda spinner Dwayne Leverock believes age is irrelevant to a sportsman as he heads off to Belfast to take part in the ICC World Twenty20 qualifier.
Leverock, who turned 37 earlier this month, is one of the most senior competitors in this short and sharp format of the game along with team-mate David Hemp, Kenya’s Steve Tikolo and Kennedy Otieno, Scotland’s Colin Smith and the Canadian trio of John Davison, Sanjay Thuraisingam and Sunil Dhaniram.
“I am playing cricket because I still enjoy and love the game," said Leverock. "I believe a player should continue to play as long as he thinks he is enjoying it and making a valuable contribution to the cause of the team.
“I don’t see myself ageing. I am still competitive and really enjoying it. My age has nothing to do with how I play, or my attitude."
Besides sixth seed Bermuda, the teams featuring in the four-day tournament are hosts Ireland, Canada, Kenya, Netherlands and Scotland and at stake are two or possibly three places in the ICC World Twenty20 2009 being staged in England.
Both finalists will qualify for that tournament which will take place at Lord’s, The Oval and Trent Bridge next June. The third place, to be decided by a play-off, is dependent on whether Zimbabwe withdraw from the tournament.
“I am still passionate about the sport," added the left-arm spinner. "I prepare for every match as best I can and a defeat still hurts me as much as it used to. I still celebrate every victory as much as I used to when I was in my 20s. And it is all because I am thoroughly enjoying the game.
Leverock hit the headlines with this catch against India
“As you start getting older, you have to increase your training and workout sessions to keep pace with the youngsters around you and that is exactly what I do to keep myself match-fit.”
Leverock caught the attention of the world with a remarkable one-handed catch to dismiss India opener Robin Uthappa in last year's World Cup.
Leverock has played 27 ODIs and 14 first-class matches since 2004 and in those forms of the game has taken 32 and 65 wickets respectively.
On Bermuda’s ICC Intercontinental Cup debut in the USA, he took 7-57 with his left-arm spin and a year later grabbed 11-72 in the same competition against the Cayman Islands. He also played a key role in Bermuda qualifying for the World Cup in the West Indies by taking 4-39 against the USA and 3-34 against the UAE.
“I think my low trajectory left-arm spinners can play a big role," said Leverock, who has attained cult status. "I can also be flexible as the situation demands.
“I can play a containment role but at the same time I can bowl aggressively with an attempt to take wickets. All will depend in what situation I am bowling and what the captain wants from me.
“I think all the teams will start on an even keel in this tournament as none of the sides have played enough Twenty20 matches. I think it will all come down to who holds their nerve better.”
Leverock said his team would rely on a team effort in an attempt to earn next year’s ticket to England.
“We will play our brand of cricket and rely on each other as much as we do in any match or tournament," he added.
“The experience of the World Cup was tremendous and we also enjoyed the event. For all those who were there, it was the highlight of their careers and we look forward to a similar experience next year in England.”
Leverock's left-arm spin could prove crucial
Leverock is a police officer by profession and admits he enjoys his celebrity status in Bermuda.
“I am very well recognized and it is all because of cricket," he said. "It is a good feeling to be known amongst the masses.
“When I deal with criminals, I am a different person. I understand it can become complicated but it depends entirely upon you how you deal with the situation, and I don’t allow my celebrity status and my professional role to get mixed-up.”
Leverock paid tribute to team coach Gus Logie, a former West Indies batsman who played 52 Tests and 158 ODIs between 1981 and 1993.
“He is a knowledgeable coach and brings with him a wealth of experience," said Leverock. “He gives us information which only helps us become better cricketers. It is an honour and great privilege to work with him.
“Bermuda cricket is heading in the right direction and very recently our under-13 and under-17 teams made successful tours of West Indies. I am sure our cricket will get better with more opportunities."
