The new senior national squad chosen by Bermuda Cricket Board of Control to train for the Americas Regional Tournament in Argentina next March clearly shows that steps taken to improve youth development are paying dividends.

That's the view of president and chairman of the selection committee El James who yesterday announced that close to half of the squad were products of the Board's youth development programme.

Following a disappointing ICC Trophy tournament in Toronto during the summer, the BCBC have taken immediate steps to prepare for the next one and with this in mind have targeted several young prospects at the expense of seniors, many of whom had been regulars in the squad over the last decade.

Among those veterans losing their place are former captain Charlie Marshall, Dennis Archer and Ricky Hill.

However, another surprise omission is that of allrounder Richard Basden, although he could be among three players the Board expect to add to the squad next week.

The full squad of 27 is as follows: Clay Smith, Janeiro Tucker, David Lovell, Stephen Outerbridge, Dennis Pilgrim, Irving Romaine, Gary Williams, Dion Stovell, Glenn Blakeney, Delyone Borden, Mackie Crane, Hasan Durham, Jekon Edness, Albert Steede, Kwame Tucker, Lionel Cann, Chris Foggo, Dale Fox, O.J.Pitcher, Sheridan Ming, Wendell White, Jacobi Robinson, Herbie Bascome, Mark Ray, Dwayne Leverock, Justin Robinson and Jermaine Postlethwaite.

"We couldn't turn to the young blood during the past few years because there was no real youth development programme where they could be steadily groomed in numbers, so we had to maintain the senior players. But it's different now, and I am pleased to say we can move forward to the future with optimism," said James.

"We had to build a foundation and now that it has been built these youngsters and some others yet named are ready to rightfully take their place.

"During the Under-19 Youth Tournament here this summer they showed that they have matured and now that we have a national coach to work closely with them, we are certain to see some good things happening."

The squad was assembled as a result of input from the Board's new selection committee which, in addition to chairman James, includes coach Mark Harper, assistant coach Winston Reid, Noel Gibbons and Arnold Manders.

James feels that it represents a good blend with some players close to 30 and many much younger.

"When you look at the squad, almost half of them are individuals we have groomed in our youth programmes over the last three years," said James. "What we have to remember is that when you implement a youth programme it doesn't pay you dividends immediately, but now we do have players advancing and I must admit that we have some great young gentlemen coming along.

"I think it's a very balanced group the selection committee has put forward and now it's just a matter of seeing who the final 13 or 14 are going to be that go to Argentina. I know the youngsters are anxious to secure a spot, so it's going to be competition for the first time. Actually this could be the first time we are really going to have players competing seriously for a spot."

James also announced that work on new training pitches had already begun at White Hill Field where the team will be practising in the nets throughout the winter.