Joining the West Indies' major cricket competitions has paved the way for a Bermudian to play Test cricket in the future.

But should a local player ever reach that level, he would be ineligible to play for the Island in the ICC Trophy, according to Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president Ed Bailey.

"Bermuda will be keeping its autonomy as a country,'' promised Bailey. "I will not be giving up Bermuda's status very easily, not without some great thought.'' And even if a Bermudian were picked for the West Indies, the BCBC would probably not become a fully fledged member of the West Indies Cricket Board.

That would leave Bermuda free, unlike Caribbean countries, to participate in major international competitions such as the ICC Trophy and the World Cup if the country qualified.

"This is the understanding we have with the West Indies Board, that Bermuda retains its autonomy -- so will Canada and the United States -- while entering West Indies competitions,'' said Bailey.

"Under the ICC rules and regulations, Bermuda, Canada and the United States come under the sway of assistance of the West Indies Board, they being a full member or first-class cricket playing country. They are given the responsibility of assisting us in all areas of development which they are doing right now.'' Bailey said some major decisions could be made in the future regarding any Bermudian player who might gain selection to the West Indies team.

"We will have players who could qualify to play for the West Indies team and they would have to denounce their right to play for Bermuda in the ICC,'' said Bailey. "But that player could still represent Bermuda in the West Indies competitions.'' Opportunities could open up for Bermudians at both the junior and senior levels now that the country is entering more West Indies tournaments.

The West Indies are planning to change the format of the Red Stripe next year to a home and away system and Bermuda's entry into the four-day competition has been put on hold until 1999.

Canada, who entered the Shell/Sandals with Bermuda this year, will alternate that spot with the United States starting next year, when the Americans will participate for the first time. However, Canada could soon get a permanent spot, depending on whether the Cayman Islands' bid is successful.

The Caymans are being coached by Trinidadian Theodore Cuffy and their strength will be assessed next year.

The Canadians, however, will also compete in the under-15 and under-19 competitions along with Bermuda in 1998.