Just weeks after having a successful groin operation at a Boston hospital, former Bermuda international, Bailey?s Bay and St. George?s Cup Match veteran Noel Gibbons has accepted an invitation to captain a World cricket team on yet another international tour.

Relieved to discover the operation ? the second following an unsuccessful one a year ago at the same hospital ? finally ended agonising pain, Gibbons returned home delighted that his medical problem is now a thing of the past.

But his enthusiasm rapidly increased when he learned of more great news, the invitation for him to go on his sixth world tour with senior international cricketers ? one on which he will also be the captain.

?Yes, it was certainly excellent news following the success of my second operation,? said the veteran yesterday.

While the tour news was pleasing to say the least, the player who is now nearing his late forties was more anxious to talk about his operation and to offer thanks and gratitude to his club Bailey?s Bay, who helped him with his medical expenses.

Gibbons, who has spent close to 35 uninterrupted years with the Sea Breeze Oval club, pointed out that without their assistance it wouldn?t have been possible for him to have the operation.

?I am really thankful to the club, particularly president Gary Caisey and his executive, for assisting me financially. Without the operation I wouldn?t have been able to play any more cricket let alone accepting another world tour,? he said.

?The injury has been a huge burden to me for a while, there was a blockage in the artery that caused severe pain in my left leg and back, the operation a year ago didn?t cure it but this one seems to have worked out fine.?

One of Bermuda?s most celebrated international players, Gibbons is set to tour countries including Dubai, Uganda, Kenya and Italy from June 11-28.

The squad of 16 will see the Bermudian act as skipper with former Indian Test player Vinod Kambli his vice captain. The rest of the team will consist of players from six other countries, including two from the West Indies, and two current Test players. Gibbons had not yet been informed who any of these other players are.

During the past two season, Gibbons has played regularly with Atherstone Cricket Club in the Surrey County League and it?s possible that he will continue his ties with the club after the world tour.

The last world tour he made was in 2000 when he went to Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Pakistan and India. Former India Test player Sanjay Manjrekar was then team skipper.

Gibbons was skipper of the 1998 world tour squad.