Sinclair Smith has been named the new captain of St George’s Cricket Club, the Premier Division 50 Overs and T20 knockout champions.

The Bermuda wicketkeeper has taken over from Onias Bascome, one of six players to have left the club during the off-season transfer period.

Mishael Paynter, the St George’s president, has declined to comment on the matter. However, numerous club sources have confirmed to The Royal Gazette that the 2024 vice-captain has been promoted to the top post.

Smith, who was born and raised in St George’s, joined the Wellington Oval club in 2022 after a 15-year stint with nearby Bailey’s Bay.

He made his Cup Match debut for St George’s in 2016 and was recalled five years later when the challengers made six changes in a vain attempt to wrest back the cup from Somerset.

Bascome has joined St David’s along with older brother Oronde, pace bowler Brandon Swainson and spinner Kevon Fubler, who was on loan to St George’s from Willow Cuts for the second half of last season.

In a complete Bascome family divorce from the club on cricketing matters, youngest brother Oyinde has departed for Southampton Rangers. All-rounder Q’Shai Darrell is the sixth player to transfer, returning to Cleveland County after one unfulfilled season at Wellington Oval.

Speaking after the transfer news became public, coach Clay Smith said that five players, including Sinclair Smith, would form the nucleus of the St George’s rebuild.

“Sinclair Smith is the best wicketkeeper on the island and a very smart cricketer,” the coach told the Gazettein February.

A decision on who will be the next St George’s Cup Match captain will be made during the course of the season.