Just a few months after resigning as captain of Bermuda's cricket team and calling it a day on the international scene, Charlie Marshall is the surprise pick to lead the country into the forthcoming Americas Cup tournament.

The St. George's middle order bat, who led the side in their ill-fated ICC Trophy campaign last July, is, by his own admission, an "11th hour" appointment after bookmakers' favourite Clay Smith pulled out of the squad which was announced yesterday for next month's competition in Argentina.

Smith, one of four people believed to have been in the running, told Bermuda Cricket Board of Control (BCBC) by letter last Friday that he was not available after being summoned for an interview.

The St. David's player-coach, cited family commitments as his reasons for standing down.

Marshall, meanwhile, said he regarded his appointment as an honour and proved he was "doing something right".

"I handed in my resignation as captain just after the ICC tournament," he said. "They (the BCBC) have been going through a process of interviewing certain individuals who might be in a position to be captain of the team and my understanding is they were unsuccessful.

"Just last week I got a call from Mr. President (El James). First of all he asked me 'would I be interested in captaining the team?'

"I told him continue with your interviews and then get back to me and let me know how you made out."

Marshall made it clear that he originally had no intention of even playing, never mind being captain, and that it was only when approached by James and national coach Mark Harper that he became interested.

"I felt that (Canada) was going to be my last ICC tournament and I felt that there were other individuals who could have taken on the responsibility," he said.

His U-turn came about because the appointment was a matter of urgency, Marshall said - the tournament beginning in the first week of March.

"It was a do or die situation," he said. "They needed a captain for this team."

Harper called on Monday to ask Marshall if he would accept the role and after viewing the squad he said he would.

"I was concerned about the players. My concerns were about who the players I would be working with. I did mention to him that I was looking forward to having as many young players in the team as possible," said Marshall, who added he had no actual input into who was picked.

It would appear he got his wish, though, with only eight players from the ICC tournament remaining for the trip to South America and the team incorporating a large element of youth.

Seasoned players Albert Steede, Janeiro Tucker, Herbie Bascome, Dwayne Leverock, Jermaine Postlethwaite, Hasan Durham, Irving Romaine and Dennis Pilgrim have been joined by youngsters OJ Pitcher, Chris Foggo, Jacobi Robinson, Jekon Edness and Stephen Outerbridge.

"When I received the squad I looked at it and then called him (Harper) back and said 'yes' I would take the team," Marshall said.

"I'm looking forward to working with the younger players that are going to represent their country for the first time."

These players were the future of cricket in Bermuda, he said.

"The next ICC tournament is four years from now and we need to make a start now," Marshall said. "These young players need to make a contribution to their country now because other countries have actually started grooming their younger players since the last ICC tournament."

On a personal level, Marshall said despite not expecting to travel he had kept himself fit and was ready to go.

"I have been keeping myself in shape since September in the Olympic Club," he said. "This is the best shape I have been in in 30 years. I wouldn't want to be quoted on how much but I have lost some pounds and I haven't been in better shape since I was ten years old."

As far as the tournament itself was concerned, Marshall said he was confident Bermuda could put in a worthy performance.

"What we lacked in Canada was basically guys applying themselves during the matches," he said. "I think that was our downfall and led to us not qualifying.

"This time I am dealing with a totally different group of guys. Out of the ICC team we only have eight guys out of 14 so there is basically no comparison. I am working with a whole group of younger guys."

While focusing on youth is admirable it can have its downside on the international stage. But Marshall said that could be addressed.

"They are going to be lacking experience so that is where I and the other senior players have to come in to assist the younger players so they can gain that experience," he said.

As far as tactics were concerned, Marshall said he knew a lot about the majority of the teams Bermuda will be up against.

"The US, Canada, Argentina and the Caymans we have played against in previous years," he said. "I know their strengths and weaknesses so I just have to analyse the Bahamas."

As to just how far the Island could go, Marshall said: "I think with the talent that we have that we can do well and we can make Bermuda proud."

Tomorrow the BCBC will elect a new president when current incumbent James steps down at the annual general meeting.

And of the two candidates who have put their names forward, Reginald Pearman and Keith Wainwright, Marshall said one stood out.

"My understanding is the one individual who has vast experience is Mr. Pearman," he said. "I see Mr. Pearman as being the next president of the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control.

"I will support whoever becomes president but my knowledge and experience from travelling with Mr. Pearman and with him being involved with the Board for years makes me think he is the number one nominee."