omission from the national cricket squad, currently in training ahead of an incoming tour by the English MCC and the ICC Trophy competition.

Cann was dropped from the squad following Bermuda's participation at the America's Cup in Canada last August and was not included in the tour party for the Red Stripe Bowl, which saw the Island record its first-ever victory in the competition, when it defeated Cayman Islands.

However, it was expected that Cann, a medium pace bowler and punishing, late-order batsman, would at least be invited to train as part of the core squad.

"I'm a bit skeptical about my being left out,'' said Cann yesterday "I don't know the reason why I wasn't selected, and you're telling me that it's because I wasn't good enough for the 25.

"That's their (selectors') decision. We know that I'm good enough and the best allrounder in Bermuda, but that's up to them, and I don't want to say anything too negative. I guess I'll have to accept not being included in the 25, although I definitely think I should be in the squad.'' While the official list of squad members has never been released to The Royal Gazette , staff coach Winston Reid intimated that Cann was, in fact, not a part of the initial 25, adding that there was no intention to add him or anyone else to the party at this time.

"The selectors chose a squad of 25 and he was not among the 25 that were chosen,'' was Reid's lone comment on the matter.

Making the omission all the more confounding in the eyes of some, is the fact that Cann is an allrounder, a prime commodity under cricket's one-day format -- exactly what the ICC presents.

Add to that the fact that Cann has already had opportunity to experience the freshly laid wickets in Canada and it would seem that there remains a reason possibly outside his obvious ability that is keeping the player out.

Continued on page 23 Cann annoyed Continued from page 21 Never one to mince words, Cann is no stranger to controversy or the disciplinary arm of the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control, the local governing body.

Yet, on the surface there lies little apparent evidence to warrant such an omission.

Cann depicted the situation as potentially another instance where Bermuda does not have its best possible team.

"Obviously, you always look forward to representing your country, and the country, I think, has been deprived over the last few years of having the best possible team represent them overseas,'' he said.

"For one reason or the other, and these are hard to grasp as to why, but it's a shame.

"It would be nice for me to go, because I know how the wickets play, they're oncoming, basically perfect batting strips out there and I had a good experience while out there. Then, with all the knowledge I've gathered while playing in Scotland and going up against top-class players, I was obviously looking forward to ICC, especially having never played one.

"You're really looking forward to it, especially when you're aware that Bermuda has been deprived in the past and you could be the missing link.'' Hence, instead of working out in preparation for what could be a most fruitful year for Bermuda on the international stage, having secured the services of former England batsman Roland Butcher as the new national coach, Cann is forced to bide his time on the sidelines.

Still, the St. David's and St. George's Cup Match veteran says that he eagerly awaits the new season, one which could harbour great riches for the Islanders.

Said Cann: "My first priority right now is St. David's, especially with all the youngsters that are coming through as part of our three-year plan, which is in its third year.

"Last year a lot of the senior guys sat out when we played weaker teams in order for the young guys to get exposure, now they're ready and we're looking forward to winning the league and stuff.

"Having the best two batsmen in Clay and Glenn, the best allrounder in Bermuda, and the three best youngsters, we're a well groomed team, and if we don't win this year it will be really disappointing.'' A story previously published erroneously noted that the Bermuda Under-19 squad was not currently active when, in fact, the team is currently training in preparation for a regional competition.