summer run by the International Cricket Council, even though his employers had promised him a job at the end of the three months.

Tucker could not be reached this week but Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president El James confirmed that the Southampton Rangers and Bermuda all-rounder had decided against going to England for the cricket academy after weighing other responsbilities.

The BCBC had a couple of meetings with Tucker's employers Bermuda Telephone Company in regards to the security of his job during the absence.

"They were prepared to let him go with the understanding that he will be rehired when he returns,'' said Board president El James. "He has a lot of potential but at this particular time he has a lot of other things to think about. He likes his job and his long range plans right now are with the company.'' Tucker, 22, impressed while representing Bermuda at the ICC Tournament in Malaysia last year. As a result he was identified among players from other developing cricketing countries such as Bangladesh, Ireland, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, Argentina, Fiji, Malaysia, Denmark and Canada as having "promise and the potential to play cricket at a high level.'' Subsequently the ICC put into gear plans to have outstanding players from those countries to participate in academies in countries such as England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa for up to three months of training.

The BCBC sent a fax to the ICC this week, informing them of Tucker's decision.

"He is fully supported by both (Board and the telephone company),'' said James.