Skipper has World Cup 20-20 qualifiers in sight

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12: The raw talent is still there, we just need to get our best team on the field.

That’s the view of Bermuda cricket captain David Hemp following a mixed bag of results against the touring MCC side.

The skipper says the national side can get through the 20-20 Cricket World Cup qualifiers next year in Dubai and secure a place at the main event.

Hemp told the Bermuda Sun: “There is natural talent on the island — it’s just a question of harnessing it in the right way.

“The biggest frustration is getting the strongest side out on the field but that is a problem faced by a lot of associate nations.

“The 20-20 qualifiers will be massive for us.

“If we manage to get our best side out we have every chance of progressing.

“It’ll be tough but if we have a little bit of luck along the way and players perform I have every belief in the side.”

Hemp admits he was disappointed that the national side was not able to put out a full strength starting line-up and string together more wins during the MCC tour.

But he says availability problems gave younger players the opportunity to shine.

He added: “We got ourselves into winning positions quite often but did not close games out.

“It was difficult to get a regular team because of availability but the flip side of that was that young players got the chance to play.

“It’s important for them to develop and the likes of Lateef Trott and Tre Manders showed what they can do.

“It’s hard if you are changing personnel all the time when you are trying to build a team.”

This time around Hemp had a chance to visit CedarBridge Academy and spend a morning with the students.

He said: “It was a great opportunity to get into the local schools and speak to the pupils.

“We did a bit of a question and answer session and it went really well. It was a great opportunity and a privilege to do.

“I wish I could do more of this kind of stuff on the island but often I’m working on a tight time scale.

“Some people just see me as coming and then going but I try and do my bit when I am around.

“We also had meetings with the MCC this time around looking at ways the league structure could be improved.

“I’m in regular contact with the coach talking about players and plans.

“All I can do is give 100 per cent as captain of the team. I love the job and I love the responsibility.

“Until the coach says otherwise I would like to carry on for the foreseeable future.”