In this the first Cup Match of the new millennium, St. George's reserve fielder Robert Fox is something of a novelty, though the casual observer wouldn't probably notice.

The 22-year-old is deaf, but the disability hasn't prevented him from breaking into the St. George's league team this season and now taking centre stage during Cup Match. And so outstanding has his fielding been that captain Herbie Bascome didn't hesitate to push for his inclusion as a reserve.

"He's got the safest hands I've seen, he's awesome and deserves his chance,'' Mr. Bascome insisted.

"On Saturday in the last trial match somebody drove the ball to mid-off and I don't know how he managed to stop it. He trains hard and is very committed.

"I'm not doing him any favours because of his situation. He's been picked solely on his ability on the field. When you think about it, who's going to be more focused than him? Let's face it he's not going to get distracted. He's so focused on the game that he doesn't miss anything. His awareness is so keen.'' Mr. Fox fields anywhere in front of the bat and it's rare for him to even fumble the ball, says Mr. Bascome, who admits he had some reservations when Mr. Fox came out to rejoin the team this season.

"At the beginning of the season I was wondering about him and how it was going to work out but he's been very focused and always looking for information,'' said the Cup Match captain.

"This is his first season out for a couple of seasons. His father told me he wanted to play with us and he has fit right in. Everybody loves him.'' "There were guys who played with Robert even before I went over to St.

George's and he knows how to relate to them.'' Mr. Fox bowls, bats and fields well but it is his fielding that is superior.

He bowls tidy medium pace and is also a late order batsman.

Dean Minors, the team's player-coach and vice-captain, also speaks highly of Mr. Fox's ability.

"He's a tremendous fielder with a very good attitude,'' said Mr. Minors during training last evening.

"Even with his physical disability we're still able to communicate. He's come through strong and all the selectors picked him. Without a doubt in two or three years he could be vying for a place in Cup Match.

"To communicate with him we just make sure to keep eye contact and keep him involved. Everyone gets along with him. He's played at least half the games and we're slowly bringing him along.'' Mr. Fox will make an appearance as a substitute fielder sometime during the two day match and he admits he's looking forward to it.

"I'm not nervous, I'm feeling better now,'' he said, with Minors acting as translator. "I'm looking forward to a good game.''