HAMILTON, Bermuda CMC – Bermuda international pace bowler Malachi Jones has admitted he defied national coach David Moore’s specific orders not to play for his club side at the weekend. But despite being axed from Bermuda’s World Cricket League Americas Region Division One tournament side, Jones insisted he did not regret his career-damaging decision as was he was under contract with Willow Cuts, and not the national team.
Jones said he decided to open the bowling for Willow Cuts against Bailey Bay at Sea Breeze Oval on Sunday even though he had been told not to play by Moore at Bermuda’s training session earlier that morning.
“(David Moore) told us we couldn’t play but I personally chose to play, so that’s how that went,” Jones told reporters.
“I played because I’m contracted to Willow Cuts to play for the club and I felt I could play and I would. I spoke to them before the game, I wanted to play, they wanted me to play, and being contracted to them is like a job so I said I would play.
“I’m not contracted to the national team, so it was the decision I made.”
It is not the first time Jones has found himself in trouble with authorities. Jones burst onto the world scene as a 17-year-old at the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean where he claimed the prized wicket of India’s Robin Uthappa with his first delivery.
But a year later he was stripped of the vice-captaincy during the Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia as punishment for an outburst towards Bermuda’s coaching staff, including the-then national team coach, Trinidadian Gus Logie.
The 20-year-old Jones is expected to be summoned to a disciplinary meeting by the Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB).
Willow Cuts coach Rodney Fubler said he had no idea Jones was under strict orders not to play by the national team.
“We didn’t know anything about it. I assumed he could play, and personally speaking, they’re young guys,” Fubler said.
“He didn’t get injured and bowled a few overs, so I don’t know what to say about this.”
The BCB will now decide whether to take disciplinary action against Willow Cuts as well as Jones.
A statement read: “The executive will consider whether any action or recourse will be taken with the club at the next meeting.
“We can assure you the information (about players not playing) was sent to club management (at Willow Cuts) and all the players were informed. No further comment will be made at this time.”