Kamau Leverock, Dwayne Leverock's nephew, quits international cricket

Dwayne Leverock is easily the best known, or probably the only known Bermudan cricketer, to most followers of international cricket.

The former left-arm orthodox spinner had taken a diving catch in slip to get rid of India cricket team's Robin Uthappa in a league match of the 2007 Cricket World Cup. It was a sight that left the commentators and viewers bedazzled. Leverock and teammates celebrated that catch like Bermuda had won the match.

There have probably been cricketers as good as Dwayne Leverock, if not better, like his own nephew Kamau. Still Dwayne, now 52, is the most well-known because his catch came against India and in the World Cup.

So much so that Kamau calls himself ‘Dwayne’s Nephew’ on the Twitter handle ‘@KLeverock_22’.

Perhaps it is apt for him to call himself that way. For Bermuda haven’t qualified for the World Cup ever after the appearance in 2007 and last week they not just crashed out of the race for qualification to the 2027 Cricket World Cup but also from the Challenge League. They have gradually declined since 2007 and have been simply out of radar and news.

No wonder then that the latest disappointment saw Kamau Leverock announce his retirement from international cricket even though the left-handed batsman and right-arm medium pacer is just 29.

“To the fans, supporters, and fellow teammates, it is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement from playing international cricket for the Bermuda Men's National Team. After much consideration and reflection, I feel that it is the right time for me to step away from representing my country on the cricket field,” he penned in a note on Sunday (March 3, 2024).

“I am grateful for the incredible experiences, memories, and friendships that I have made throughout my career. Representing Bermuda has been an honor and a privilege, and I am proud of all that we have achieved together.

“I want to thank my coaches, teammates, friends, family, and all the fans who have supported me over the years. Your encouragement and belief in me have meant the world, and I will always cherish the time I spent wearing the Bermuda colours,” he added in his retirement note.

“While this chapter may be closing, I am excited for the new opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. I will always be a proud Bermudian and a passionate supporter of our national team.

“Thank you once again for your support, and I look forward to continuing to cheer on the fellas from the sidelines. Sincerely, Kamau Leverock.”

Kamau has represented Bermuda under-15s, under-19s and has played for the second XIs of English counties Nottinghamshire, Somerset, Surrey and Sussex.

Kamau scored 842 runs in 29 T20 Internationals with one century and four fifties at an average of 33.68 and took 25 wickets at 21. His economy rate was 6.84. All the one-dayers he played were List A games primarily because Bermuda could never go beyond a certain level in one-day cricket.

Uganda international cricketer Charles Waiswa paid tribute, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “Go well champion[,] you have done well over the years[,] bowling at you in the power plays was one of my worst nightmares! Enjoy your retirement bro.”