Dear Sir,

I was delighted to learn that David Hemp has offered to play for Bermuda (he adds, modestly, if selected), and help in any way he can with Bermuda's preparations for the World Cup.

Based on his long and distinguished career in English county cricket with Glamorganshire and Warwickshire, his offer should be welcomed with unrestrained enthusiasm and relief by potential team-mates and fans.

I use the words “should be welcomed” because I could not conceive of anyone finding fault with or turning down such a heaven-sent offer.

As a school boy, David Hemp was a cricket prodigy. He rose steadily up through the school ranks to become captain of the Wales under-19 team. He scored five consecutive centuries in one incredible week, losing his wicket, I believe, only once.

Graduating to Glamorgan, he soon established himself as a regular.

During a tour to England by the South Africans, he scored 125 in what the South African captain described as the finest innings played against them for the entire season.

This stellar accomplishment led to the next honour in St. David's first-class career. He was selected to go on a winter tour by the England ‘A' side, the penultimate step for consideration for the full England Test team.

Tragically, it was not to be. Early the following season, having already scored his first century in April, David and his captain were racing to catch a towering hit. The resulting crash left David with broken ribs and other injuries. He was out for the remainder of the season.

However, eventually, he recovered enough to continue his career as a county player.

This past season, Glamorgan elected him their most valuable player. He scored over 400 runs more than the next highest batsman.

Am I making my point?

Only a raving jackass would gripe about having David in the Bermuda side.

Born in Bermuda, no one has a better right to be considered. The usual petty complainers have apparently come up with a farcical alternative for trying to keep him out of the team. They claim he is depriving some worthy other local player of rightful selection.

What local player plays so well that he could keep David Hemp out of the Bermuda team?

TOMMY AITCHISON

California