soon to gain momentum, as the cricket team begins its preparation for the ICC Trophy in Kenya in 1994 with the ultimate aim being to qualify for the '95 World Cup.

The qualifying method is completely different, with a spot in cricket's World Cup being reserved in the past for the Test-playing countries and the winner of the ICC Trophy amongst the non-Test playing countries.

However, all has changed now with the number of Test teams increasing from seven to nine teams this year with South Africa's return from 20 years of exile and Zimbabwe's elevation to Test status. That paves the way for three ICC teams -- the two finalists and the best of the losing semifinals -- to advance to the next World Cup, which will have its biggest ever entry of 12 teams.

Though Bermuda did not advance past the round robin phase in the last ICC, they have reached both the final and semifinals in previous tournaments.

"This is an opportunity of a lifetime,'' said Ed Bailey, president of the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control who have been quick to put their plans for '93 in motion.

"In the 10 years I've been involved in ICC meetings this is one of the things the ICC members have been fighting for. All the ICC teams will be doing their best in '93 to prepare for '94.'' Bermuda's preparations will include a 10-day training camp in Barbados in March, followed by a hectic domestic schedule, which could include a couple of incoming tours.

Bailey confirmed yesterday that the West Indies `A' team will tour here between next June 18-28, playing four 50 overs matches while invitations have also been sent to England in the hopes of attracting English County teams during the season now that there has been a reduction in their schedule for next season, which could facilitate short tours.

"It's a bit early to know who they will be sending but it could be one or two Test players and some up and coming players,'' said Bailey on the make-up of the `A' team. "The West Indies Cricket Board has committed themselves to it and they have guaranteed they'll send us a very creditable team.

"I would also like to see two other tours, even if the third one is in September,'' said Bailey who also revealed plans for a second camp in Barbados in September or October for what should be the Bermuda team for the '94 ICC Trophy.

"We hope to have the ICC team picked by late September, early October and then send them to Barbados for the second camp,'' Bailey explained.

All senior squad members are asked to report to Sea Breeze Oval at 9.30 a.m.

on Saturday for training in preparation of the camp to Barbados while the youth squad members are asked to report to coach Allan Douglas at Harris Bay field at the same time on Saturday.