Macai Simmons says it is an honour to lead St George’s at Cup Match and believes they will be up to the task of dethroning Somerset at Wellington Oval.

The challengers have made four changes from last year’s team, with Kyle Hodsoll, Zeko Burgess and Onias Bascome earning recalls and Nzari Paynter being named as a colt — the only debutant this year.

“The team we have will definitely make things very interesting and we’re ready for the challenge against Somerset,” Simmons said.

The St George’s league captain has been given the added role of leading the Cup Match team this year after OJ Pitcher stood down.

“It’s an honour first of all to be a St Georgian,” Simmons said. “To be captain of St George’s actually suits me and is a plus because I have St George’s at heart.

“It’s not a big difference being captain of the Cup Match team and I’m just taking it all in my stride because I know I have St George’s at heart and I know that I’m going to show it.”

Among those helping to groom the new captain is Dennis Wainwright, the former St George’s star wicketkeeper.

“Every time I see him [Wainwright] we discuss cricket and different ways on how I can go about certain situations,” Simmons said. “I filter the information and use what I need and then go from there.”

Wainwright, whose record of 37 dismissals during a 20-year Cup Match career still stands, believes that Simmons has the makings of a strong leader.

“Macai has the potential to be a good captain,” said Wainwright, who also captained St George’s in Cup Match. “He’s a strongly built guy so he can command respect because he stands out among the players in the field and that’s going to be an asset. He’s a pretty good player and what I find most encouraging about him is that he’s a person who listens. I told him I’m going to work with him and watch him, and what we’re going to concentrate on in the beginning is the basics such as respecting himself and then respecting his team-mates.

“If he respects his team-mates he will find that they will respect him and will be willing to support him. You can’t show respect by putting yourself on the same level and using a lot of foul language and stuff like that.

“You have to rise above that and always stay ahead of the game.”

The Safe Hands Award celebrates another milestone this year. This year will see the 20th recipient earn the award for their all-round fielding ability, not just for taking an excellent catch. The winner will be announced after the match and will be awarded $1,000 and the Calvin “Bummy” Symonds plaque at a ceremony to be held next Tuesday at Bermuda Healthcare Services, sponsors of the Safe Hands Award.

Allan Douglas Jr, the St George’s all-rounder, was chosen as the winner of the award last year.