On the eve of the World Cup that so catapulted Dwayne Leverock and, by extension, Bermuda on to the world stage eight years ago, the former slow left-arm bowler has returned to the sport in a coaching capacity at Devonshire Recreation Club.

Leverock, internationally recognised for “the catch that shook the world”, will now attempt to shake up the local cricket scene at one of his childhood clubs whose programme has descended to moribund status in recent years.

Anthony Amory took over the reins last season, but after a mildly promising start in the First Division, the Rec’s fortunes capitulated to the point where they were struggling to field an XI by midsummer.

Leverock, who rose to prominence while playing for Police before stints at Western Stars, Flatts Victoria and Southampton Rangers, retired as player three seasons ago to turn his attentions to his new love — golf. But he had let it be known that he was willing to give back, whether it be at national or club level, and it is fitting that he returns to the club that identified him more than 30 years ago as a young all-rounder of promise.

While his batting ultimately did not the follow the way of his bowling, Leverock’s personality on and off the pitch and rarely rivalled determination made him a popular choice when he belatedly broke into the Somerset Cup Match team in 1990 and then the Bermuda team in 1999. He was a key performer when Bermuda qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 2005.

Then “that catch” to dismiss Robin Uthappa not only proved the catalyst for the young India batsman to disappear from the international scene — before making a belated reappearance now thanks to his exploits in the 2014 Indian Premier League — but it made Leverock a household name throughout the cricketing world.

Nadine Browne-Evans, the Devonshire Rec president, hopes the signing of Leverock points the way forward for a club that is a far from the former giant of local cricket that once boasted the likes of Lionel Thomas, Gladstone Brown, Winston Trott, Donald Norford, Barry DeCouto and the late Anthony Edwards.

“Devonshire Recreation Club would like to officially welcome their new cricket coach, Dwayne ‘Sluggo’ Leverock,” she said in a statement. “The committee of management look forward to the wealth of skill that this esteemed athlete brings to the table. “We are confident Mr Leverock will afford the much needed structure to assist as we continue to rebuild our cricket programme for adult and youth.”

Interested cricketers and those willing to assist with the programme can contact Vance Brown, the vice-president and sports chairman, at 535 2199 or by e-mail at vbrown70@icloud.com.