after suffering what is believed to have been a mild heart attack.

It is understood that the Bailey's Bay star was taken to the hospital late on Tuesday night by close friend and fellow cricketer Wendell Smith. He is now in the intensive care ward.

Marshall's wife Allison said last night that little has been revealed to the family about the cricketer's condition as the doctors are still running tests.

Hospital officials declined yesterday to comment on Marshall's condition.

Marshall, 32, a former national youth team captain who led Bermuda's to its first win in the International Youth Tournament in Canada in 1979, was to substitute for the injured Wendell Smith as captain of the Bermuda squad, which will depart for Barbados on March 5 for 10 days of practice in preparation of next year's ICC Trophy Tournament.

His status for the tour is in doubt as he is likely to remain hospitalised at least until the weekend.

"All of this was so sudden, we don't know anything about the diagnosis, whether it is something that is going to prevent him from travelling,'' said Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president Ed Bailey.

"If it is that serious then we certainly will have to seek a new captain before Monday for the trip to Barbados. That will have to be done between now and Monday.

"It's very unfortunate. I am absolutely surprised to see a young man like him at the prime of his life experience something serious like this. It's shocking news and I certainly wish him a quick recovery.'' Marshall's cousin and Bailey's Bay team-mate, Noel Gibbons was also taken aback by the news.

"It's very shocking news, the two of us are like brothers, said Gibbons.

"I've always thought of him to be in good physical condition. I can only say that I wish him and his family the best of luck.'' Marshall has, for many years, been rated as the Island's premier fielder and is also one of the league's top batsmen. In 1980 he became the first colt in Cup Match to score a century, achieving that feat with a six off the last ball of the match at Wellington Oval.

CHARLIE MARSHALL -- Lauded as one of the finest fielders Bermuda has ever produced, the energetic Bailey's Bay and Bermuda star is in the intensive care ward of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital after suffering a heart attack on Tuesday night.