Bermuda?s ICC Trophy bowling attack could be robbed of two key elements in Ireland next month ? seamers Kevin Hurdle and Ryan Steede. learned yesterday that Hurdle, expected to spearhead the island?s opening attack, is now in serious danger of being omitted from the squad through a hamstring injury, while Steede ? like Bermuda skipper Clay Smith ? is presently harbouring a knee injury.

Another of the team?s key figures, all-rounder OJ Pitcher, is nursing a groin injury he sustained while batting for St. David?s against Southampton Rangers during his team?s second innings at Southampton Oval last weekend.

Pitcher, who attended cricket studies earlier this year in South Africa along with fellow islander Delyone Borden, retired hurt on four after pulling up at the crease.

However, while Steede and Pitcher managed to get through Thursday night?s training session at the National Sports Centre which, according to reliable sources, saw former Bermuda skipper Charlie Marshall speed off in his van following a heated argument with skipper Smith in the practice nets, Hurdle?s ability to perform at an optimum level also failed to go unnoticed by those in attendance ? in particular team physiotherapist Daniel Morgan.

Hurdle, who has five wickets to his credit so far this campaign, has been in and out of Social Club?s line up during the early stages of the season.

When contacted yesterday, national coach Gus Logie confirmed: ?During Thursday?s practice session it was quite evident that he (Hurdle) could not perform the way we wanted him to.

?So he has been referred to the physiotherapist for a further assessment that will be forthcoming in the next 24 hours. And at this particular point in time this is a situation we are looking into which will has to go through all the proper channels before we can confirm anything.?

While a final squad of 14 players has already been selected to travel to the UK next Sunday for a series of pre- ICC Trophy warm up fixtures, an additional four players currently remain on standby.

That shortlist includes the likes of wicketkeeper Kwame Tucker, all-rounder Wendell White, spinner Hasan Durham and in-form batsman Chris Foggo.

During a previous interview with coach Logie, the former West Indies vice-captain and coach indicated Foggo would be the first to receive the nod in the event another team member was forced to withdraw through injury.

But when asked whether this would this still apply, should Hurdle be omitted from the squad, Logie replied: ? Why would I want to do that? A bowler is injured and so we are going to have to look for a bowler.?

Therefore, White is now strongly favoured to come into the team should Hurdle be omitted at the 11th hour. The Somerset Cricket Club all-rounder was on Bermuda?s squad that qualified for next month?s ICC Trophy Tournament in Ireland last summer.

Meanwhile, physiotherapist Morgan declined to speak to when contacted late yesterday afternoon.

Bermuda Cricket Board are now expected to make a final decision on the matter early next week just days prior to the team?s departure to the Ireland.

The island has been placed in Group One along with Denmark, Uganda, United Arab Emirates (UAE), USA and tournament hosts Ireland.

Bermuda kick off their 2007 World Cup qualifying bid in earnest with a rubber against Ireland on July 1 in Belfast.