Hollis: ‘I’m Looking Forward To The Challenge’
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Dennico Hollis has expressed his relief after being recalled to the Bermuda squad after a six-year absence.
The 33-year-old has been named in a 14-man contingent for the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B in Uganda from June 15 to 27.
Hollis admits his international exile has been frustrating and, at times, hard to comprehend, having not played for his country since 2016 against Denmark in the ICC World Cricket League in Los Angeles, when Bermuda retained their Division Four status.
“I have mixed emotions [about my recall],” Hollis told Bernews. “I felt I should have been involved a while back.
“However, that was out of my control, and I had to let my club performances speak for themselves.
“It was a relief to be named in the squad. I want to do the best I can for myself and Bermuda.”
The batter has spent the past four years playing for Stenhousemuir in the Western Division One, the second tier of the Scottish game, serving as vice-captain for two seasons before stepping down last summer.
He enjoyed his most productive campaign wielding the willow last season, scoring 310 runs, including a career-best 83 not out, averaging 25.83.
Hollis started sending his statistics, match by match, to the Bermuda Cricket Board, ensuring his displays have not fallen under the radar. He believes he is better suited to the challenges of international competition than he was six years ago.
“Playing in Scotland at this level is what I needed,” he said. “I feel like the time is right for me to express it on the international stage.
“I’ve had a slow start with the bat this season [after five matches]. I’m in a good space, though.”
“I’d like to thank the selectors for having faith in me. Hopefully, I can show the Bermuda public what I’m capable of doing. I’ll look to bring my experience to the table.”
In the absence of key players such as Delray Rawlins, who is playing in the Twenty20 Vitality Blast for Sussex Sharks, Hollis is among the senior figures in a youthful dressing room, including newcomers Cameron Jeffers, Amari Ebbin and Jamar Stovel.
“The last time I was involved with Bermuda, I was one of the younger guys playing with the likes of Janeiro [Tucker] and Lionel [Cann],” Hollis said. “I’m the oldest in the team now, which will feel a bit different.
“I have a lot of trust in these young guys. A lot of them are playing overseas at clubs and universities. I’m sure everyone will be up for it.
“I’ve never played under Cal Waldron [the interim coach] before, and I’m certainly looking forward to the challenge.”
Hollis said he hopes to be involved in the third and final leg of six-nation Challenge League B in Jersey in August and turn out for domestic side Bailey’s Bay later this summer.
Bermuda are bottom of League B after losing all but one of their opening five 50-overs games in Oman in December 2019 – the other, against Kenya, was abandoned as a draw because of rain. The other teams are Hong Kong and Italy.
“I’m supposed to be flying back to play a few league games for Bay and the final Eastern Counties game in late August,” Hollis added. “Much depends on how things go with Bermuda. Hopefully, I can fit it all in.”
