Board of Control (BCBC) by removing his services from the ICC cricket squad because of a recurring knee problem.

The elegant opening batsman -- who has a been a member of three previous ICC outfits -- reinjured his right knee while fielding during Bermuda's opening tour match against Jamaica at Sabina Park on December 29.

Swelling and severe pain resulted and Smith was unable to take part in any further matches on the two-week tour.

News was also bad for St. George's, as Smith hinted he may relinquish the captaincy at the club and even tone down his participation if the knee fails to respond to treatment.

"I actually came to the decision a couple of days after the match, when I still had a lot of pain existing even two days later,'' said Smith, who missed a large portion of the domestic season last year while nursing the same knee.

"The expectations of a two-week tour were quite exacting and I realised that the knee couldn't hold up to the demands of a five-week tour.'' Smith, who carried great value to the team for his experience as a strategist and for his batting skills, expressed disappointment at not being able to make the trip while the team attempts to secure a berth in the World Cup.

But he commended the board on their dedication to ensuring that this year's outfit is the best ever for the challenge ahead.

"People may say that I'm foolish not to take the trip, because I don't view this as a trip, this is a mission they're embarking on,'' added Smith.

"I'm not about to go and take a `trip' to Kenya on the board's behalf. I would be embarrassed to go over there and it turns out I'm carrying an injury.'' BCBC president Ed Bailey -- although aware of Smith's problems in Jamaica -- was somewhat taken aback by the timing of the announcement, coming so close to the team's departure, but added that he expected it to have no bearing on the team's chances in Kenya.

"If Wendell knew all along (that he was injured) it would be an injustice to wait so long let us know,'' said Bailey.

Nevertheless, Smith's withdrawal comes on the heels of Ricky Hill's banishment by the BCBC for playing soccer. He broke an agreement not to play any sport other than cricket.

Bailey had no comment when asked if Hill -- also an opening batsman and having since apologised -- could possibly get a recall, saying only that there were already two players -- Andre Manders and Quinton Burch -- on standby for such an emergency.

WENDELL SMITH -- Out of Africa.