Glenn Blakeney, a surprise absentee from training as the senior national cricket squad prepare for the tour of Argentina next month, has dropped another bombshell.

The talented left-handed batsman, one of the most prolific run scorers in league cricket, has hinted he may sit out the entire 2002 season.

Blakeney declined comment on his refusal to turn up for a single training session with the Americas Cup squad, but was more forthcoming about his involvement, or lack of it, in the league programme.

"I have no comment at this time to make about my ties with the squad, but what I can say is that I don't know if I will be playing at all this year. There is a chance that I may be taking a year off. I am not too sure, but it's a possibility," he said.

Blakeney was seen as a key member of the squad of 27 originally selected for training by Bermuda Cricket Board of Control back in September. But after publicly stating early in the summer that it was his intention to fight for a national team place, he has shown little interest since.

National coach Mark Harper recently voiced his displeasure with Blakeney and other players for their apathetic approach towards training, especially after many made a commitment during a meeting at the Board offices on January 10.

Clay Smith, one of the favourites to be appointed captain of the squad, said he was aware of Blakeney's position and believed the player had priorities which took precedence over cricket.

"I have talked with him and understand his concerns and I clearly understand his situation but it is something that he wants to keep to himself right now,"' said Smith, who is Blakeney's coach and skipper at St. David's.

Smith, however, said that the situation regarding training combined with the likelihood that Bermuda would not be fielding its strongest team in Argentina, would not discourage him from pursuing the captaincy.

"I've said it from jump street, I want to be the captain and it hasn't changed," he said. "The fact that the response to training has only been `so so' is not a problem for me because I am an enthusiastic person and a motivator. I know I would get them to perform at a high level if I wanted to.

"We have a decent squad in training. We had 15 out on Saturday and things look pretty good. If Blakeney is not available, and it appears so, then it will be a big loss. Without a doubt he is one of the best one-day cricketers in Bermuda and he will be a loss if that's what he decides to do."

Smith said Blakeney's absence would also dent St. David's challenge for honours.

"St. David's will also miss him if he is not available. He has made a big contribution to our squad and any time you lose a player of his quality it is difficult to fill the void," he added. "He has to do what he has to do and when he lets everybody know then they will realise his decision was warranted."