Veteran batsman Albert Steede is “playing with his bat and pad close together” regarding whether he will return to international cricket or not.

Though flattered to be included in the Bermuda Cricket Board's (BCB) 30-member training squad for next summer's ICC Trophy, the smooth-stroking heavy hitter remains adamant he has retired internationally and now domestically - but he has left room for a change of heart.

Reacting to his inclusion in the unit - which will be whittled down to a final 14 for the vital 2007 Cricket World Cup qualifier - and to calls from captain Clay Smith and others urging him to make a comeback, Steede said it was “always an honour to be considered (for selection) and to play for your country” and termed the support he has been receiving “a great surprise”.

However, the 36-year-old reminded that he announced his international retirement last year and his domestic retirement this year, adding that “I'm sticking to my decision at this moment”.

“I haven't really thought about it (a comeback) because I am still in retirement mode but, yes, I can think about it - sure. It's not in my plans right now but things could change in the future.”

The right-handed batsman acknowledged it would be a worthwhile cause for which to re-enter the international fray with the top five teams in the ICC Trophy qualifying for the prestigious Cricket World Cup to be staged in the Caribbean for the first time.

He noted the Island had fallen frustratingly close to their ambition in previous World Cup qualifiers and that he had concluded it was time to give others a chance of attaining that elusive goal.

More than anything, though, he was motivated to exit the top flight because of family and professional considerations.

Now the father of two daughters aged seven and one, Steede insisted he had no doubts about his ability to continue performing at his prolific best but that other matters now took precedence in his life.

“I think I still have quite a few more years but other things have happened in my life that I want to devote more time to like family and more responsibility at work,” said the deputy head of Saltus Grammar School's senior department.

On the question of work, this maths teacher noted his seniority necessitates “a lot more work and time to assist in running the school”.

In addition, he is determined to play an integral role in his children's lives and “be there as much as possible because they are only young once”.

Should he return to the national team, the Western Stars stalwart pointed out that it could mean - in the best-case scanario - another three years' devotion to cricket.

“If I say ‘yes' and we do advance to the World Cup then I'm not going to want to stop (playing). That's the ultimate of one's career and I would want to continue to 2007 so that would be another two to three years.

“It's the long term I really have to look at. The short term is a no-brainer but the long term would require a lot of practice because I'm not going out there without practising and we're talking about at least three or four times a week,” he said, outlining the various things he must ponder.

“It was easy when it was just me or just my wife and I but now I have other factors in the equation that I must consider.”

However, a chuckling Steede conceded he would not need to confer with his wife Shauntia as she has already indicated her position.

“She has already asked me to reconsider but it's how stubborn I am. This decision wasn't made in haste. I thought about it for some time but she thinks I should reconsider.”

Speaking to The Royal Gazette, Shauntia confessed she would like to see her husband represent the Island again but she refuses to pressure him.

“I've told him he should reconsider,” she said “but it's his decision and I will support him whatever he decides.”