been recognised by the world governing body of cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Word was recently received by Bermuda Cricket Board of Control that the talented Southampton Rangers player had been identified by Majid Khan and his ICC Evaluation Committee as having "promise and the potential to play cricket at a high level''.

Khan's committee took the opportunity to evaluate hundreds of players during this year's ICC Trophy competition in Malaysia.

Other players recognised came from Bangladesh, Ireland, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, Argentina, Fiji, Malaysia, Denmark and Canada.

As a result, 22-year-old Tucker and others on the ICC list have now been invited to participate at cricket academies run by the ICC in countries such as England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

The academy courses are expected to last for about three months.

It is expected that Tucker, who was also a member of Bermuda's Red Stripe team last summer, will accept the offer and likely travel next year to an academy in England providing the BCBC and his employers can reach agreement.

Discussions between the two are expected soon.

Dr. Ali Bacher, chairman of the ICC Development Committee, communicated news of Tucker's success in a letter to the BCBC. And nobody was more proud than president of the board, El James.

"Naturally it was a great thrill for us to receive this news. I am sure that the entire community will share our joy,'' said James. "It gives a positive signal for Bermuda cricket, that's for certain.

"Just imagine, the committee had hundreds of players to evaluate and they came up with somebody from our small Island. Let's hope this helps to motivate other players, and helps encourage the many young players on the Island to join the youth programmes we have planned for next year.'' James said the news was an encouraging sign for the BCBC as they attempted to steer local cricket on a new course.

"We feel honoured to know that we have players here with the kind of ability that is recognised by former Test players on the ICC panel. But we feel that we have others here too and hopefully in time they will get similar opportunities.

"We strongly believe that we can eventually put together a nucleus of players and realise the goals of the committee which is to play at a higher level on a consistent basis. That is why we are aiming to be on the world scene in four years time by doing well in the World Cup.

"We would hope to develop our players so that they can take full advantage of these opportunities like the one offered to Janeiro, and prove to the world that this small country has talent in abundance.'' JANEIRO TUCKER