Manders: ‘T20 progress is critical’

Arnold Manders believes Bermuda cricket is in ‘dire straits’ and desperately needs the boost of World Twenty20 qualification.

The island’s head coach was speaking after the team returned from Florida where they were beaten in three Twenty20 matches by the USA.

The ability of the batsmen to play spin bowling remains a concerns and  only two players — Dion Stovell and Chris Douglas  — scored over 20 runs in an innings. 

Manders, though, said the warm-up games ahead of the World Twenty20 qualifying in Dubai next month were invaluable and has faith that, if the required improvements are made, they can qualify for their second major tournament having reached the 50-over World Cup in 2007.

He told the Bermuda Sun: “If everyone dots the i’s and crosses the t’s, we can get that top-three place in the group. I’m happy with the way we got through the week [in Florida] and I think everyone has analysed what we need to work on and what we need to practice.”

He added: “Bermuda cricket is in dire straits — we need a boost. If we can qualify for the World Cup it would mean extra money for the board etc.

“Also, we need something like that to get back to where we were before to bring back the enthusiasm for the game.”

Manders said he has not nailed down a starting XI for Dubai, offering hope to the squad members absent in Florida — Allan  Douglas and Kamau Leverock.

He said: “There’s still all to play for. I have an idea in the back of my head but I need to have all our guys at my disposal. For those two guys, we still need to find out what their role is for us — for Allan it’s his first time at that level while Kamau has shown potential but he needs to show that on the field.”

The team’s ability to counter spin is improving but the former Cup Match player said the problem is  deep rooted.

“We already knew what our deficiencies were before the tour and the tour just showed those things up — and that’s playing spin.  

“We just don’t have enough of that on the island.”

On a personal level, qualification to Bangladesh in 2014 would complete a neat hat-trick for the coach.

“I was part of the selection committee for the World Cup and coached the Under-19s to the World Cup,” he said: 

“It would be nice to get to the World Twenty20 as well. I can walk off into the sunset!”