In terms of raw talent, Jason Lewis can hold his own alongside the best batsmen in Bermuda.

And the 1997 season -- injuries permitting -- could be one in which the 26-year-old finally fulfils his potential.

The withdrawal of Nationals from the cricket league has forced Lewis into new surroundings, and he's now looking forward to his first season with former league champions St. George's.

But in the back of his mind, no doubt, will be the troublesome knee injury which has hampered his progress over the last couple of seasons. It's because of that injury that Lewis is careful not to set too many goals for this summer. Just to complete the season would be an accomplishment.

"I have gone to four different doctors in previous years and got mixed opinions,'' said Lewis this week.

"It hasn't got any worse and from resting it, it does feel better so I might as well be optimistic.'' The injury prevented Lewis from completing the 1996 season, one which ended for him soon after his forced withdrawal from the Bermuda national team's tour of England last June.

"I spoke to Allan Douglas (coach) and had to pull out because of my knee,'' said Lewis. "They were doing a lot of sprint work and it was bothering me.'' Former Bermuda captain Arnold Manders tried to sign Lewis earlier this year.

He spoke to him about joining Western Stars but Lewis opted for St. George's instead.

"They (Stars) always have a lot of players at my position,'' said Lewis who pointed out that he also decided on St. George's after he learned that opener Dexter Smith was leaving. That could create a place for him at his preferred number four spot, which he occupied during a friendly match on Sunday against Cleveland when he scored 25.

The other reason he decided to head east was because of his friendship with captain and vice captain Clay Smith and Dean Minors.

"I had spoken to Dean and Clay last year about coming down for Cup Match trials but I hadn't paid my dues in time and ended up not getting a chance to play in a trial match against New Zealand,'' Lewis explained.

"Soon after that my knee started bothering me and I had to finish my season.

I was having a good year with the bat over the last year and a half and made a couple of centuries the year before.

"I was probably feeling the best ever when batting but my knee kept bothering me and I had to rest it for a while. I felt good batting but couldn't last when running.'' Added Lewis: "As for this year I want to be serious about the season and the reason I'm playing at St. George's is because I enjoy playing with Dean and Clay.

"I came up with them in Shell (Youth League) and have been playing with them since I was 10-years-old and feel more comfortable playing with them than anybody else right now.

"Now I'll have to see how my knee holds up through the season. As for Cup Match, I'm not even thinking about that right now. The first thing is to be healthy and then I'll see how it goes with the bat after that.'' Employed as a personal trainer means that Lewis works during the evening which could affect his training. But he's determined to persevere.

"I got off to a late start in training because I work evenings and nights and have a hard time getting off for training,'' he explained.

"I played a practice game on Sunday and enjoyed playing with the guys. Things look pretty good so far.''