Controversial Clay Smith is the man to lead Bermuda's new national senior cricket squad, according to to his St. David's team-mate, top batsman Glenn Blakeney.

Smith, who came under fire during this year's Cup Match when he was accused of unsporting behaviour, and has faced similar criticism in the past, would be the ideal leader based on his past record as a skipper, says Blakeney who is included in the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control squad chosen to train for the America's Regional Tournament in Argentina next March.

Bermuda are in need of a new skipper following the departure of Charlie Marshall, who at the age of 40, was not among those invited to join the squad, having led the team at the ICC Tournament in Canada during the summer.

"Clay is definitely the best man for the job, there is no doubt about it," said Blakeney this week. "Look around and see what he has done this season alone, he's been the most successful leader of a team in the Island and it is my opinion that he should be handed the job without any hesitation." While being one of the top batsmen in the national team, Smith, according to Blakeney, has also been a big inspiration at St. David's where he has led the club to their best ever season which included a first league title.

The east enders virtually made a clean sweep this season with Smith playing key roles as player, skipper and coach as the side captured the Premier Division, the Camel Cup, Eastern Counties Cup and most recently the Champion of Champions trophy.

"It's hard to imagine anybody doing better than he has, it's been such a tremendous season for St. David's and most of the credit has to go to the true leader of the team and that's Clay," added Blakeney.

Blakeney said he was aware that Smith had often been criticised for his antics on the field, but felt that in many instances fans wrongly condemned him.

Smith, he believed, was nothing but a keen competitor, hard fighter and a player who doesn't like to lose at any cost.

"There are some who have branded him but I think it's unfair on Clay. It's just that he has such a great hunger for the game of cricket and it may look as though he over reacts, but that's how it is in cricket when a decision goes against you," said Blakeney.

"A number of players react the same way on instinct, you take on an aggressive response on the spur of the moment and people have trouble accepting that and regard you as being too abrasive.

"But Clay has his own style and there is no denying that he is a true leader. He has done an amazing job at St. David's with the younger players. He knows the game, he definitely knows how to handle pressure and he rises to accept whatever challenges that confront him. He is a born fighter and I can't think of anybody else to run our national team right now."

While refusing to be drawn into any discussion about the captaincy, Smith admitted he would be interested in the position if asked.

"Yes, I certainly would be interested in captaining my country," he said.