Royal Gazette has learned.

While Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president El James yesterday refused to confirm that Smith was being groomed for the position currently held by Charlie Marshall, sources say that Smith will be the one to lead Bermuda into the next ICC tournament to be held in Canada.

And lending credence to the assertion was the fact that James did not deny that the St. David's player/coach/captain was one who the Board were eyeing to take over from Marshall in the not too distant future.

In fact, the president revealed the 29-year-old to be one of two players who will be called on to occupy the vice-captain's role during the upcoming tour of Canada where Bermuda will play in the Americas Regional Tournament.

"On this particular tour to Canada we'll probably look at two individuals as filling in the vice-captaincy, and that will be Janeiro (Tucker) and Clay,'' said James, admitting that Marshall was perhaps reaching the end of a storied career.

"They'll sort of alternate as stand-ins. These are two fellows that definitely have bright futures. But the fact that they'll be doing it on this tour...we don't know what the future holds.

"You can speculate on it, but there's no way I'll confirm that, because that's something we have not discussed at the Board level or earmarked and put on paper.'' As for the possibility of the matter having been discussed unofficially, James laughed before saying: "I don't recall unofficial meetings.'' However, if Smith can find a way to avoid his past tendency to boil over and stay away from disciplinary problems that have dogged him in the past, he stands as the favourite.

Despite traces of arrogance and sometimes outlandish behaviour on the pitch, Smith's ability as a player, tactician and leader shine through.

Meanwhile, Tucker was one of those considered for the captaincy after Albert Steede abdicated the post. Marshall was eventually appointed skipper in 1998, yet at 39, the stylish middle order bat is nearing the end of his international career.

Smith was yesterday travelling to England with his club side to take part in the Millennium Tournament involving several clubs from around the world.

Marshall, when contacted would not comment on the issue of the vice-captaincy or future captaincy, saying that he had not yet been involved in discussions with the Board. However, when asked how many years he thought he had left, he exposed his trademark sense of humour, saying: "I don't know, maybe I'll stay on 'til 2010...no, make it 2020.'' Bermuda's Under-15 team plunge into action today against visiting Cayman Islands, as the Bank of Bermuda Youth Cricket Tournament gets underway.

The local youngsters will take to Southampton Oval for the first leg of the Sir Henry Tucker Trophy that is being put up by the Bank.

The Bermuda team will play the second and deciding match on August 2, while matches inbetween will feature Caymans against an East Select XI tomorrow at Devonshire Rec., Hamilton Parish (July 31, Sea Breeze Oval) and a West Select XI (August 1, Southampton Oval). All matches commence at 12.00 noon.

Future leader: Clay Smith has emerged as favourite to take over the captaincy of Bermuda's national cricket team as a replacement for veteran Charlie Marshall.