With batsman Clay Smith unavailable again for the Red Stripe because of another suspension, Albert Steede looks the obvious choice to step forward and take up the responsibilities in Jamaica.

All eyes will certainly be on the former Bermuda captain, who is just off his most suceesful domestic season ever, scoring 1,600 runs with four centuries and 11 50s.

Now local fans -- not least Steede himself -- will be hoping he can carry his form into the top one-day tournament in the Caribbean where he is still to make his mark.

Between Steede and captain Charlie Marshall, the next highest run-getter domestically with 1,042 runs, much will be expected of him with the bat as Bermuda seek their first win in the competition.

While the season is over for most players, those chosen for the national squad face their biggest test as they take on Jamaica, Guyana and the Windward Islands in their group matches.

"It's important for me to try to show my worth and to make some runs there as well,'' said Steede.

The dashing batsman helped his club, Western Stars, end their season on a winning note by adding the third trophy to their cupboard, the Champion of Champions, following victory over St. David's in the final.

Steede had to readjust to the role of opener this season, having batted there in previous seasons, and he admits it took some getting used to again after coming in at number three or four for so long.

It is not certain if he will be used as an opener in Jamaica. But he did bat in that position in the first two matches of the former Shell/Sandals in 1996 when he captained Bermuda in their first year in the one-day tournament.

His best score, though -- 47 -- came against Barbados when batting at number three.

In 1997 in the renamed Red Stripe Bowl, Steede scored 33, 20 and 0 as an opener in Bermuda's three matches under new captain Arnold Manders. He missed last year's competition because he was in school in Jamaica.

"It's a significant change because you have to concentrate a little harder with that new ball coming. No matter who is bowling, it's swinging around,'' Steede said.

"With my job being to help the team get off to a good start it has meant concentrating a little harder this year and that contributed to my playing longer innings as well.'' While some of the more senior Western Stars players are contemplating retirement, Steede assures that he has a few more seasons left in him. Local bowlers won't be able to relax just yet.

"Yes, I definitely plan to be back,'' he added.

"I have a few more years left.'' Steede finished the season with twice as many runs as many of the Island's top batsmen. Not surprisingly he rates the just concluded campaign as his `best ever.' One tactic that seemed to have paid off for him this year was his decision to talk less to the media and let his bat speak for him.

But once the season concluded, Steede opened up and spoke of his performances -- which included a career-best 202 against Somerset Bridge.

"I was very pleased with my season, but there is always some room for improvement,'' he said.

"I worked hard in the off season in anticipation of a good batting season and it happened.

"Now what I have to do for next season is to work even harder during the off season to maintain or even get better.'' He added: "The fitness and concentration seem to have paid off. I made runs at some important stages and all worked out in my favour and naturally in the favour of Western Stars.

"The hundreds of course are always something, but making runs consistently is something that I am proud of. I look at it this way: batting is my only job in cricket and I try to do it to the best of my ability.'' Champion Steede: Albert Steede shows the flair that brought him more than 1,600 runs during the domestic season.