British press mull England's heavyweight World Cup encounter by AFP

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Scorecard:	Bermuda v England
Event:	ICC World Cup 2006/07

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DateLine: 6th March 2007

 

The British press has a new pin-up: Bermuda's Dwayne "Sluggo" Leverock, the roly-poly left-arm spinner who dismissed two of England's best one-day batsman in their World Cup warm-up in St Vincent Monday.

 

The 35-year-old Leverock's vast bulk was an excuse for sports editors to trot out a few weight-related jibes in Tuesday's first editions alongside more pressing concerns about the side's chances in the competition.

 

"'Owzfat! 19st part-time bowler flattens England stars" said The Sun, Britain's best-selling newspaper, accompanied by a full-page photograph of his wobbly celebrations after snaring Paul Collingwood and Kevin Pietersen.

 

The member of the Bermuda police even warranted a mention in the tabloid's editorial, which declared: "The mystery of the Bermuda Triangle has been solved.

 

"None of the missing people, ships or planes were abducted by aliens after all. They were EATEN by Bermudan spin bowler Dwayne Leverock."

 

Other newspapers chipped in.

 

The Times likened Leverock to a heavy roller, his picture filling half of the back (sports) page while the Daily Telegraph put him on the front page under the headline: "The full weight of the law."

 

Its sports section was along similar lines, suggesting Pietersen, who was stumped, was "undone by a wide delivery". The Daily Star went with "Gut-ya", noting his likeness to comedian Eddie Murphy's "Nutty Professor" character.

 

But there was also praise for the big man, whose efforts at one stage saw England 132 for five before they rallied to 286 for eight.

 

The Telegraph's Derek Pringle, himself a former England paceman, said Leverock was a "decent tweaker". The Daily Express's man at Arnos Grove said Leverock "troubled England's batsmen with well-controlled, well-flighted" spin.

 

And The Guardian said Leverock's efforts raised the possibility of an upset, even if it did refer to the left-armer as someone "who looked as if he was trying to emulate the Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly".

 

The Times sports sub-editor Dexter Smith, who used to open the batting for Bermuda, wrote that he first came across Leverock as a "reed-thin 15-year-old" who showed great promise but was more interested in football.

 

Years later, with a knee injury having ended his footballing aspirations, excess weight and an asthmatic condition, he is still first on the team sheet and a crowd pleaser because of his exuberant celebrations and spirit.

 

"He got me out once, too, which should be of some consolation to Paul Collingwood and Pietersen. I recovered, and I suspect they will, too," he added.

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)