Lionel Cann and Rodney Trott will both be fighting for places in the St George’s Cup Match team after missing last year’s first defeat at Wellington Oval in 34 years.

Cann was absent because of illness while Trott, the Bailey’s Bay captain, made himself unavailable.

Both players have now confirmed they are aiming for recalls as the challengers look to turn things around after defeats in the last two years.

The news comes a day after opening batsman Treadwell Gibbons Jr announced he is fit again after being sidelined with a broken toe.

Cann and Trott are two of the most experienced players in the St George’s camp with Cann, 44, making his debut back in 1993, while Trott made his debut in 2006.

Cann is one of only five players to score 1,000 runs in Cup Match, a list headed by Somerset’s Janeiro Tucker.

Cann has only missed two Cup Matches in the last 23 years, in 2000 when St David’s went on tour and then last year when blood clots on his lung ruled him out after a brief stint in hospital.

“I’m going to be playing in the last trial,” Cann said. “Six weeks ago the doctor gave me a clean bill of health and said that I could play, so I started training a month ago when they called training for Cup Match.

“It’s just about getting fit and used to the sun again. It’s obviously been a struggle to get cricket fit again with all the heat and after being sick.

“But, I’m coming along and feeling good, and I still have another week to make sure I can handle the heat.”

Somerset, who have the luxury of not having to gamble with their team selection, will go into the match as favourites to retain the cup, but Cann believes anything can happen over the two days.

“People who cricket know that over the two days the best team can win, and that there is no big difference between Somerset and St George’s when it comes to ability,” said Cann, who captained St George’s to a thrilling two-wicket victory in 2011 at Wellington Oval after scoring 49 not out.

“Where Somerset have the edge is they have the belief and the will to win. It always starts with that, getting the right blend and players who want to play for the cause.

“Cup Match is bigger than getting picked and just showing up, you have to play with passion because you are playing for people who have been fans for years and years.

“You even have tourists who travel to the country for Cup Match and pick a team, and you are playing for them too.”

Somerset will have a new captain this year in Jordan DeSilva while OJ Pitcher is in his second year as the St George’s captain.

“Somerset have built team unity whereas St George’s are going through constant changes, and in Somerset we are going to have to play well to beat them,” Cann said.

“I’m from the old school and half of what made me successful is I understand what Cup Match is all about, and what playing for your country is all about.

“Cup Match is two days when players can showcase their talent, and that those are two days people don’t forget.

“Cricket is still my life and Cup Match is the ultimate thing next to playing for your country, and should involve the best players in Bermuda.

“If I feel I’m still one of the best players then I’ll put myself forward to be a part of it.

“Last year was a sad one as it was the first time I’ve ever missed Cup Match. I went to the beach on the first day with my radio and it was two tough days knowing I couldn’t be on the field to help out.”

Trott has enjoyed a good season with Bay, who could have as many as seven or eight players playing for the two teams next week.

St David’s, the Logic Premier Division leaders, could have five or six players in the match.

“I did go to training on Wednesday, I have talked to OJ [Pitcher] and, yes, I am interested,” said Trott who, like Pitcher, wants to win Cup Match to honour former St George’s player Fiqre Crockwell who was murdered last month.

“Fiqre was a friend of mine, too, and I want to show him that respect. If St George’s pick me I will give my all as I always do. I will be training this week and we’ll see what happens on Saturday when they pick the team.”