Work and family commitments have resulted in swashbuckling opener Glenn Blakeney being axed from Bermuda's training squad for the ICC Trophy.

The Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) yesterday announced that his elimination from the group stemmed from "an insufficient attendance record" at training sessions. George O'Brien Jr. was cut for the same reason.

BCB official Neil Speight explained yesterday that, though the hard-hitting strokemaker has made a valiant effort to train in the gym on his own, he has only been able to attend the squad's Sunday training sessions and has therefore fallen short of the mandatory 60 percent attendance.

"His wife is studying and they have two young children so he is unable to make any of the evening sessions during the week. In addition, he recently started a Saturday job which excludes him from that day as well," said Speight.

"The selectors decided that because he is only getting to one group session a week it wasn't appropriate to continue with him in the squad."

However, he noted that Blakeney, whose body fat has decreased, has lost 15 pounds and he performed well in the monthly 12-minute run test administered by team physio Daniel Morgan.

The Board also confirmed that four other invitees had excused themselves from consideration for the summer tournament in Ireland. St. George's skipper Gregg Foggo "voluntarily" withdrew while youngsters Stephen Outerbridge and Jekon Edness are unavailable due to school commitments. The latter is sitting his finals at Bermuda College in April/May while Outerbridge is studying in England. Allan Douglas Jr. requested to remain a part of the national Under-19 squad.

Blakeney's exclusion underlines the BCB's strict attendance policy and the seriousness with which this mission is being undertaken. Officials had previously indicated that players could be withdrawn depending on their attendance record.

Reflecting on the way in which training has proceeded thus far, under the watch of interim coach Wendell Smith, chairman of selectors Arnold Manders said: "I am very pleased with the progress of the squad and the commitment of the players. We have a very talented group that is working hard to be ready for this important tournament.

"We continue to get a good turn-out to each of the sessions which are now five times per week. We have a detailed plan that we are following and we are right on track."