Cricket chief El James officially took his place at the wicket for the Progressive Labour Party yesterday when he was named as a General Election candidate.

Mr. James, a former Bermuda international and current President of the Cricket Board of Control, was officially announced as a PLP candidate in Warwick West yesterday.

The former fast bowler will pitch for votes in the key marginal constituency alongside current MP Dr. Ewart Brown.

And Dr. Brown claimed he would stand firm in his legal fight to stay in the House of Assembly.

The Shadow Human Affairs Minister is facing resignation calls because his constitutional right to be a Bermuda MP is in question -- as he pledged allegiance to the US to gain dual nationality.

Dr. Brown said: "Those who say I should not be in the House do not muddy the waters -- they muddy themselves.

"I intend to earn the respect and support of the people of Warwick West. My legal advisers have indicated that I should wait and I should stay, too.'' Former Shell Bermuda executive Mr. James, whose five wickets for two runs in a World Cup qualifying match against Malaysia remains a world record, said: "I have always had an interest in politics.

"At this stage in my life, I have done a lot that I wanted to do and I have been involved in a lot of areas.

"In order to take it one step higher I need to do all I can for the community now, and politics is the route I must follow.'' Opposition Leader Jennifer Smith also announced Rodney Smith and Carvel VanPutten as the PLP's candidates for Pembroke West yesterday.

Mr. Smith, who has fought two by-elections in the constituency, said: "The PLP is the future of Bermuda.

"It has always been our goal that the taking of Pembroke West will be a three-step plan. We have already taken two steps.'' Mr. VanPutten, a Court Street businessman who is also head doorman at the Hamilton Princess, added: "We are ready for a PLP Government. I feel proud to be part of this team.'' The Opposition candidates will face UBP heavyweights Quinton Edness and Sen.

Yvette Swan in Warwick West.

They will also line up against Erwin Adderley and Gary Pitman in Pembroke West.

Opposition Leader Jennifer Smith, speaking at a press conference to announce the candidates said: "I made a promise that the PLP would be unveiling an impressive array of candidates.

"Each week, we continue to keep that promise with candidates who show talent, integrity, stability and experience.'' PLP branch members in Warwick West are understood to have been split over the choice to appoint El James as a candidate instead of community activist Cromwell Shakir.

Opposition insiders claimed Mr. Shakir, believed to have been supported by Dr.

Brown, walked away in disgust after learning he was not to be selected to fight the key seat.