Promising all-rounder Joshua Gilbert has been ruled out of a Bermuda developmental squad's opening tour match against Argentina today in the South American country.

The Somerset cricketer had stood a good chance of making his debut at the senior national level today at the Belgrano Athletic Club. But what should have been a routine practise session in the nets at the same venue yesterday proved anything but as Gilbert injured a toe after being struck twice by fuller-length deliveries.

"We had a bit of a setback as young Joshua (Gilbert) got hit on his toe. He now has a sore toe and so obviously he cannot be considered for team selection," commented national coach Gus Logie. "He received a yorker while batting on artificial surface in the nets and I'm sure as a young man on his first tour he would have been disappointed. It was just one of those things and I'm certain he will regain full-fitness in a day or two."

Over the past several months the 15-year old Berkeley Institute student has embarked on a meteoric ascent in the sport. Gilbert represented an Under 15 Americas Select as well as Bermuda's Under 19 national squad in the West Indies earier this year, where he turned in some stellar performances with bat and ball.

He was also an integral part of Bermuda's Under 15 national squad that competed in the Under 15 Americas Championships on local soil this summer.

Gilbert's injury woes aside, coach Logie described team morale as high with each member determined to make a good impression on tour.

"We had a session this morning (yesterday) involving all the players to get them prepared both physically and mentally and they responded very well. The players are very enthusiastic and feel pretty confident going into the game tomorrow (today)," he said.

Although today's contest amounts to nothing more than a friendly, Logie still has high expectations of his players.

"We are looking for the strongest possible combination and to start the tour on a winning note would certainly help us along in bringing some of the youngsters into the squad," he said. "We are going to work hard and I am certain we are going to be successful."

Apart from senior players Irving Romaine and Glenn Blakeney, the remainder of Bermuda's developmental squad consists primarily of promising up-and-coming acts such as Chris Douglas, Jordan Desilva and Kevon Fubler to name a few. And Logie has challenged those on the fringe of breaking into the senior national cricket squad to make the most of their opportunity to shine in Argentina.

"We are definitely looking for improvement and for some of the younger players to show that they belong at the senior national level," the former Windies Test player said. "We are going to encourage the younger members of the squad as much as possible and work with them.

"We have already encouraged them to go the extra mile and put in the extra work. And with the talent that we have we believe that they will be able to enjoy some success on tour."

Returning to national duty is St.George's seamer, Kyle Hodsoll, who was ruled out of Bermuda's failed Americas Championship defence in Florida last month through injury.

On the flip side of the coin the Argentines will use their matches against regional rivals Bermuda as warm ups for their upcoming World Cricket League (WCL) Division Three competition in which the eventual top two finishers in the round robin tournament will progress to World Cup qualifiers in South Africa next spring.

Unofficially, Bermuda have been paired alongside powerhouse Kenya, the Netherlands, UAE and Denmark in Group B. And they could very well be joined by Argentina should they win the WCL Division Three tournament.

"All things being equal we know it's going to be a tough contest as Argentina are playing at home and they have something to work towards," Logie said. "They have a qualifying tournament in January (WCL) and there's every indication that if they come first we might be up against them again in World Cup qualifiers.

"We understand the challenges up ahead but want to focus on what we can do and what we have to do. Once we can focus on that, I am certain that we will be able to get the desired outcome."

Bermuda 'A' from: Irving Romaine (capt), Rodney Trott (vice-capt), Chris Douglas, Glenn Blakeney, Justin Pitcher, Kyle Hodsoll, Oronde Bascome, Tamauri Tucker, Delyone Borden, Jordan Desilva, Kevon Fubler, Regino Smith, Machai Campbell, Fiqre Crockwell.