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Southampton Rangers' skipper Malachi Jones has admitted Bermuda's losing streak took its toll on the players and contributed to him quitting the national team.

The young all-rounder is one of Bermuda's most promising players. But he has taken a break from international duty to save money to study welding in the U.S, starting in September.

He hopes to make a comeback after he has got his qualification but will play no part in the World Cup qualifier next year.

And, though he says education, was the primary reason for taking a break, Jones revealed the mental toll of losing game after game had been part of his decision.

"The losses and things did knock cricket out of me. I haven't looked back on it too much (since he quit) I just moved back to a regular life.

"Losing took its toll. I think some of the other players felt the same way - some cared more than others."

Jones, who was tipped as the future of Bermuda cricket after becoming the youngest World Cup wicket-taker in history last year, said his well publicized run-ins with management during the Under-19 World Cup in March had not factored into his decision, so much as the mental and physical strain of constant touring - and constant defeats.

Bermuda has won just four ODIs out of 27 in the last two years.

"I think it was becoming a bit of a chore. All my vacation time was away from Bermuda. It seemed like I wasn't even living in Bermuda, I was just coming back here in between tours.

"Taking a little break is also good for my body. It's taken a lot of stress and I'm not really as strong as I should be."

Jones says he would like to play for Bermuda again when he returns from training to be a welder in the States next May.

And he believes the team can manage without him until then.

"I need something to fall back on. I don't think I'll be that big a miss. We are always missing key players - when one goes, another one returns."[[In-content Ad]]

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