Board of Control.

New BCBC president El James said that hosting the Test team would add little to the beleaguered domestic programme and that the money needed could be better spent elsewhere.

Asked about the likelihood of an England visit, similar to one made by India in May, James was blunt: "England will not be coming, not at this point in time,'' he said.

He added: "Talking from a personal standpoint I think our emphasis over the next year or two will be on the domestic programme, restoring faith in it, improving on the junior and senior programmes while maintaining the international commitments that we have.

"I've played against the tourists. Many times we catch them at the end of a long, gruelling Test series, they are mentally and physically tired and by the time we bring them here they are not that enthusiastic about playing. Cricket is probably the last thing that they have on their mind... they will tell us that they are going to give us their all, but they are conming for rest.'' Previous BCBC administrations had made tours to the Island by Test teams somewhat routine after various series had ended in the Caribbean, bringing in India last year and Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan prior to that.

"I think our top priority at this time is in getting our players ready for trips out of here. If we are going to spend money in developing our youth that's what we should be aiming to do,'' said James.

But to those cricket fans who have come to look forward to visits by Test teams, James said that no steps have been taking to exclude these teams from the shores of Bermuda altogether.

"It doesn't mean that we don't support them coming. It's just not a priority at this point because we see many other things that are in need of our attention and of our support. I think once we get our programme together and we see the results of our development schemes, then when can look at all avenues to explore for our young and senior players ... and even the public at large,'' said James.

"We figure that in another four to five years we will have developed players who will be ready to take on anybody ready to come to our shores. And by implementing what we hope will be quite an efficient youth programme, including the Shell League, we will be on the right course.'' James admited that many local fans have enjoyed watching Test players as they visit the Island, but he asks them now to be patient as Bermuda attempts to turn in another direction and concentrate on the future, which is to develop new players and stop the decline of the domestic programme.

"Yes, it's nice to see them play here but at what expense? Is it really helping our cricket? We have to ask ourselves how is it going to benefit our cricket, and if it's just going to give (Team teams) rest and a few indivduals here the opportunity to see their favourite players.

"Any team is welcomed, but after a Test series we are not going to get the full benefit of a tour. If we are going to invite a team I think we should invite them specifically to play here once they leave their country, not having them stop by on the way back home.''