for tomorrow when they defend their title against formidable challengers Cleveland County in the second round of the Eastern Counties at Lord's, starting at 10 a.m.

The talented left-hand opening batsman returns to the line-up after missing both the first round against Flatts on July 17 and Cup Match because of a leg injury.

The inclusion of Smith means that the east enders will once again boast two players -- Smith and Allen Richardson -- who two years ago made a joint assault on the Eastern County record books with an opening stand of 232 against Flatts, Smith scoring 141 and Richardson 161.

Smith's presence also once again emphasises the tremendous batting line-up the Cleveland bowlers will have to face -- something which also appears to tilt the odds heavily in favour of the champions.

The two clubs announced their line-ups yesterday and both made two changes to the teams that last represented them in the competition. The champions have brought in colt Sam Robinson and Smith for Phillip and Ken Pitcher while Cleveland have added Andre Smith and Toby Trott to replace Corey Lowe and Carlton Smith.

St. David's: James Pace (captain), Herbie Bascome (vice captain), Lionel Cann, Allen Richardson, Wendell Smith, Albert Steede, Anthony Foggo, George Cannonier, Shea Pitcher, Sam Robinson (colt), Reginald Pitcher. Reserves: Mike Kelly, Rudy Smith, Cameron Fox.

Cleveland: Peter Philpott (captain), Aaron Adams (vice captain), Grant Smith, Allan Douglas, Jermaine Postlethwaite, Wayne Smith, Johnny Richardson, Curtis Jackson, Toby Trott, Diallo Sharrieff, Andre Smith. Reserves: Earl Richardson, Jason Simons.

St. David's skipper James Pace seemed to be confident as ever last night and reckoned that the Cleveland bowlers would have their work cut out for them.

"Our batting is stronger than what we had in the first round, we have something like seven batsmen in form and I strongly believe that Cleveland will not have a chance of bowling out our first six,'' said Pace.

However, he was uncommitted when it came around to naming his open batsmen, refusing to reveal whether he will use Shea Pitcher and Anthony Foggo as he did in the first round against Flatts or to go with the proven combination of Smith and Richardson.

"We have four good openers,'' intimated Pace. "Wendell is in good form and is coming off three good knocks and his inclusion was unquestioned. I haven't decided who will open the batting.'' Replying to questions about his team's bowling strength, Pace responded: "We don't have to bowl them out.'' Having missed the entire first half of the season through injury along with being sidelined for the first round of the Eastern Counties and Cup Match, Wendell Smith seemed to have an appetite for the big-match atmosphere.

"I'm hoping to make up scoring-wise for the matches that I missed, meaning the tour matches, the first round of the Counties and Cup Match,'' said Smith.

"After having played a few games I am now confident at the wicket and since there is a good strip at St. David's I am hoping that we bat first.'' Smith was unsure where he would be used in the batting order but he said that it made no difference to him.

"I am a team player and will do whatever the skipper wishes,'' he explained.

RECORD-SETTERS -- Allen Richardson, left, and Wendell Smith are seen during their record opening stand of 232 against Flatts two years ago. Both players are back in the St. David's line-up against Cleveland tomorrow.