Sri Lanka will be seeking an easy outing in its opening match against rank outsider Bermuda, the smallest country ever to qualify for the World Cup. The opening match against an outfit making its debut in the premier limited-overs event will allow Sri Lankan players an opportunity to get used to the conditions before heading into a tougher matches against India and Bangladesh — the other two teams in the preliminary Group B.Jayawardene says Sri Lanka will use this outing to strengthen its combination for tougher challenges ahead. “We believe we have the team that can go the whole distance, we have several exciting combinations,” he said. Cricket is the national pastime in Bermuda, one of six associate-member nations to qualify, despite its infrequent international appearances. But Jayawardene supports the minor teams, saying qualification for the Cup provides incentive. Sri Lanka’s early appearances in the World Cup during the 70s were before it was granted the right to play Tests and limited-overs internationals. Sri Lanka joined the group of elite cricket-playing countries in 1982 and took 14 years to win the World Cup. “Playing against the top teams is the only way for these nations to improve,” Jayawardene said. “Like Sri Lanka, 20 years on and one of these minor cricket nations might win a World Cup.” Bermuda, the tiny island nation located in the northern Atlantic Ocean, has just one professional cricketer in its ranks. It is not expect to go beyond the first round, captain Irving Romaine saying his players merely are seeking “to earn respect of the cricketing world.”David Hemp, captain of Glamorgan, is the only professional in the team that mainly comprises teachers, students and policemen. In the run up to the event most were given leave from work in what will be the biggest moment in their sports history. The team also has a promising batsman in 17-year-old Malachi Jones, who will be one of the youngest players ever to feature in the Cup. And then there is Dwayne Leverock, the big-frame policeman whose left-arm spin is often overshadowed by his weight. Men in action• Sri Lanka: Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara, Marvan Atapattu, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Russel Arnold, Chamara Silva, Chaminda Vaas, Farveez Maharoof, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando, Nuwan Kulasekara, Muttiah Muralitharan and Malinga Bandara. Coach: Tom Moody• Bermuda: Irving Romaine (captain), Dean Minors, Delyone Borden, Lionel Cann, David Hemp, Kevin Hurdle, Malachi Jones, Stefan Kelly, Dwayne Leverock, Saleem Mukuddem, Stephen Outerbridge, Oliver Pitcher, Clay Smith, Janeiro Tucker and Kwame Tucker. Coach: Gus Logie• Officials: Daryl Harper and Ian Howell. Third umpire: Aleem Dar. Fourth umpire: Steve Davis. Match referee: Jeff Crowe.
