Gibraltar counting on fitness to cover player losses

Gibraltar should go into next month's ICC World Cricket League Division Eight tournament in Kuwait match fit, with a visit from the Marylebone Cricket Club the culmination of their preparations. The matches against the MCC follow a series against an Isle of Man team and several training camps held earlier this month.

Christian Rocca, the Gibraltar captain, said there has been an emphasis on fitness in the preparations. "We've held a number of training camps over the last few months - a lot of focus has been on the fitness/flexibility side and undoubtedly this is the fittest side to have represented Gibraltar abroad. This will hopefully stand us in good stead over a taxing week or so."

However, veteran offspinner Rex Purnell, fast bowler Steven Gonzales and mediumpacer Karan Ashwani are all unavailable for various reasons.

Gibraltar are in Group B and play their first match against Bahamas on November 6, then Germany on November 7 and lastly Zambia on November 9. The semi-finals are on November 11 and the final on November 12. The hosts Kuwait, Bhutan, Suriname and Vanuatu comprise Group A.