officials that he will be unavailable to participate in Cup Match this year because of his injury.

The declaration by the skipper of the cup holders must have been a stunning blow to the east enders as it came just four days after he made his celebrated season debut -- after an injury prevented him from starting the year.

Smith scored 38 runs and joined Dexter Smith (57) in an opening stand that put on 74. The partnership helped to inspire St. George's to a 60-run victory over powerful Bailey's Bay at Wellington Oval.

The skipper on Monday experienced some stiffness in his right knee and was hopeful that he would overcome the discomfort, but it appears that he has lost the battle.

Smith, who only last year became the highest run-getter in the history of Cup Match with 993 runs after surpassing Lloyd James' old record of 988, late last night confirmed the new development.

"Yes, it's true that I have advised the club that I will be unavailable to play in Cup Match this year,'' said Smith.

While club officials could not be reached to comment on Smith's withdrawal and who will be a suitable replacement to captain the team against Somerset this year, the likelihood is that Graham Fox, who was deputised as captain for Smith in the club team, will be favoured by the selectors. It has largely been through Fox's captaincy that St. George's are the current leaders of the Premier Division.

Smith first played in Cup Match as a colt and opening batsman in 1976 and has played every year since, being promoted to skipper in 1985.

The only legitimate opener the cup team has had in their lineup for a few years now, Smith's withdrawal now means that the champions will have to search for two openers to fill the void. Dexter Smith and Eugene Foggo, who has opened during a few games this season, are among the candidates along with veteran Arnold Manders who has previously served as an opener in the mid-summer classic.

Skipper Smith's prolonged injury last night also forced St. David's to make changes to their lineup for tomorrow's opening Eastern Counties Cup game against Flatts at Lord's.

James Pace, skipper of St. David's, confided that several changes were made to the team because of injuries to players who represented them a year ago, including Smith and Dean Pitcher.

Spin bowler Del Hollis is the other player who was not included in the team and word is that he and the skipper have been at odds -- but no light could be shed on this last night.

St. David's team: James Pace (captain), Herbie Bascome (vice captain), Shea Pitcher, Anthony Foggo, Allan Richardson, Albert Steede, Lionel Cann, Phillip Pitcher, Reginald Pitcher, Ken Pitcher, George Cannonier. Reserves: Gregory Foggo, Rudy Smith, Cameron Fox.

GLORY DAYS -- Wendell Smith is seen celebrating one of his many Cup Match triumphs -- a scene which will not be repeated at least for this year.