grooming youngsters early for the next ICC Trophy in three years' time.

But that does not mean that the island's longest serving international is now ready to bow out of international cricket after 23 years.

In fact, the indications are Gibbons have every intention of making a sixth appearance at the ICC Tournament. "If needed I'll be there,'' Gibbons said last night from Birmingham, England.

"Every team needs some experienced heads in it. When it comes to ability I know I'll have no problem making any team in Bermuda, but it's an age thing.

But I will definitely still be playing (1997) and if the selectors see fit I'll be happy to be selected. It's always a privilege to represent my country.'' At the age of 38, Gibbons is facing the dilemma of leaving the international and Cup Match stage before he is dropped. He is now entering his 23rd year as both a Cup Match player and Bermuda international, though Graham Gooch's recent recall for England at the age of 41 and subsequent double century against New Zealand, encourages him that age should not matter.

"Looking at teams around the world their best players are their oldest players,'' said Gibbons. "Gooch is 41 and still the best player in England by a long way.'' Gibbons does not seem concerned about the fact that he will be Gooch's age at the next ICC.

"I'm pleased they (board) made it clear those guys weren't dropped,'' he said of the decision to leave the bulk of the ICC players out of the Bermuda XI for the match against the Hyderabad Blues this weekend.

"I'm looking forward to '97 now. I think it's good they are looking at the youngsters now, three years in advance.'' Gibbons is due back in Bermuda for a few days next month for Bailey's Bay's first defence of the Eastern Counties on July 16. Another trip could follow soon after for Cup Match.

"I'll think about Cup Match when I get home,'' he said, realising his Cup Match days are numbered.

"I've been playing for 23 years and it wouldn't be a good feeling to be omitted,'' he admits. "I would rather call time first.'' After a lean spell with the bat shortly after returning from India where he reprepseted a World XI in a series of charity matches, Gibbons recently returned to form, hitting 72 against King's Heath in a drawn match on Saturday and then scoring his fourth century of the season -- 135 not out -- against Redditch the following day.

On Saturday he claimed five for 49 from 18 overs as King's Heath were dismissed for 212. Gibbons scored 72 before being trapped lbw as Halesowen replied with 183-7. It followed three low knocks of one, five and four last week.

The next day Redditch scored 238-9 declared with Gibbons taking six for 79 from 22 consecutive overs and then scoring 135 from 16 fours and five sixes off 148 balls as Halesowen replied with 240-2 to win by eight wickets.

"This was definitely my most enjoyable innings,'' said Gibbons. "I took some knocks from their fast bowler from Barbados, Dwayne Maynard who banged me on my fingers and then when I was in the 80s I missed a hook and took a knock on the helmet.

"He is classed as the fastest bowler in the league. The Bermuda players from the '92 tour of Barbados probably remember him. He played for St. Catherine against the national team.'' Gibbons is in the running for the Birmingham Post/Willis Corron player of the year award. He is second in the batting averages and fourth in the bowling in the 24 team league, which he says is about the same standard as the Premier League here with about eight teams at even a higher standard.