Bermuda national team cricket captain Clay Smith has almost fully recovered following knee surgery last November.

Smith succeeded Charlie Marshall as Bermuda skipper late last year before undergoing an operation to repair damaged cartilage to his left knee.

The 33-year-old St.David's player/coach has steadily progressed since then and has now rejoined national squad practice sessions.

Smith will lead Bermuda during the upcoming Americas Regional Tournament scheduled to take place on local soil in July.

"The knee is probably about 75 to 80 percent back to normal. I've been doing a lot of stationary cycling every day and light weight training just to strengthen the muscles," he explained.

"I've just started back training with the national squad every Sunday (at Whitney Institute School gym) and I haven't experienced any problems with it as of yet. It feels strong and hopefully I can continue to go from strength to strength."

Smith's injury has kept him sidelined during the current football season and it is doubtful he will suit up for his club, North Village, any time soon given his new role with the cricket team.

The right-handed batsman insists his commitment to the national squad won't conflict with his equally vital role at Lord's once the cricket season begins.

The former St.George's skipper led the Islanders to a clean sweep of domestic titles in 2001 and last season coached St.David's to the Premier Division KO Cup championship before again demonstrating his commitment to the national squad during Barbados' tour of the Island late last fall.

"Obviously our (St.David's) training will have to be based around national team training because I wouldn't want to conflict with it. It's going to be a heavy burden but I don't foresee it being a problem," added Smith, the first Bermudian batsman to score successive centuries at the international level.