on critics of the national team, saying that now was the time to encourage, not deride.

Responding to comments by several local players in yesterday's Royal Gazette , Bailey said the team selected to travel to Malaysia next month for the ICC tournament was just as strong as that of previous years.

The current side was criticised for lacking bowling depth as well as not having at least one specialist opening batsman. And while the inclusion of several youngsters bodes well for the future, critics say this will hinder Bermuda's chances of qualifying for the World Cup in 1999.

Some players were concerned the attack contained but one viable pace bowler in Roger Blades, while others called for the inclusion of Dexter Smith as an opener with a proven international track record.

Smith was the top run-getter in the last ICC Tournament in 1994, scoring a record 392 runs for a Bermuda player.

Bailey, though, shot back, saying that he failed to see the logic behind such complaints.

"The team that has been selected is basically the same team that went to Barbados in March, went to England in June, played against the Leeward Islands when they visited here and went to the Shell/Sandals tournament and did well,'' said a perplexed Bailey. "I honestly don't see why they're complaining.'' Of the 16 players selected for Malaysia, 11 were part of the 14-man squad that went to Guyana last October for the Shell/Sandals tournament. Missing are Clevie Wade, Anthony Braithwaite and Jeff Richardson.

Bailey said the BCBC faced a no-win situation, with many observers simply bent on criticising. He added that there was no way everyone could be pleased and that selectors used their knowledge and resources to pick the best side.

"The last time we went they were all saying that we had too many old fellows in the squad. Now they say we've got too many youngsters. Where do we win?'' "Personally, I feel the Board picked a good team based on merit and did not just go out and get players for their names. But people want to see certain name players.'' And with Alan Douglas as coach and working alongside hired consultant Bobby Simpson, the former coach of Australia's Test team, Bailey was confident of Bermuda being able to produce. Formerly criticism arose for the fact that Bermuda travelled abroad without a coach, instead relying on the captain and a management team.

"Bermuda must now start rallying around the team,'' said Bailey. "There's just about six weeks to go before they leave and we have to go and get behind them and stop criticising.'' Meanwhile, Bailey denied speculation that Corey Hill had jeopardised his position on the ICC squad by playing soccer on Sunday. He said that a special agreement between the BCBC, Hill and the Bermuda Football Association had been reached to allow Hill to perform in the All-Star match at Somerset Cricket Club as a one-off deal. Hill played 59 minutes before being substituted.

"It was the inauguration of the event, which is a fundraiser type thing and it was in the spirit of the occasion and the two bodies working together that we allowed him to take part,'' said Bailey, who was present at the match.

"However, he will not be allowed to take any further part (in soccer) without jeopardising his position with the squad.''