yesterday -- but no one expected the team to match the squad's performance when they finished fourth in the tournament three years ago.

The Bermuda Cricket Board of Control's policy of concentrating on the inclusion of younger players was seen as great benefit to their development, a move players felt would improve the standard of play on the Island.

But many players expressed similar views given by top cricketer Noel Gibbons, who on Monday told The Royal Gazette he regarded the overall team as "weaker'' than any squad Bermuda have ever sent to the tournament.

Like Gibbons, many felt that the bowling, in particular, was considerably weaker and that an opening batsman such as Dexter Smith would have strengthened Bermuda's chances in the competition, to be held in Malaysia next month. Bermuda will open the tournament on March 24 against Argentina.

National coach Allan Douglas refused to comment because of a BCBC policy.

But several players contacted yesterday were willing to put forward their opinion: Andre Manders (Western Stars): "It's a pretty decent squad but certainly one that doesn't compare in strength with others that have been to ICC. I would have liked to have seen batsmen like opener Dexter Smith and middle-order Jeff Richardson included, yet I understand their thinking in pushing young players.

Even still the bowling doesn't measure up with just one paceman in Roger Blades. Previously this department has looked good with bowlers like Terry Burgess and Anthony Edwards spearheading the attack.'' Olin Jones (Southampton Rangers captain: "The fact that it's a young squad means that there isn't that much experience, but you have got to take a chance with the youngsters some time.'' Richard Austin (Police: "The weakness is definitely in the bowling; there is a lot of inexperience in the squad. It's difficult to understand how they didn't include an opener such as Dexter Smith, who has a proven track record at that level. During the last ICC they had trouble defending a score over 300 with a much better bowling attack, so they are bound to face a tougher time in Malaysia. Compared to other teams this one doesn't match up, but let's hope that the inexperienced ones adjust quickly.'' Kevin Fubler (Willow Cuts): "I'm glad to see them take a few young players.

The team looks pretty good. But in all honesty the bowling and fielding may be a little weaker compared to other teams, but the batting seems sound enough.'' Wayne Smith (Cleveland County) : "Obviously I am delighted that some players from Cleveland County are in the squad. But I do support the BCBC's strategy of taking younger players. Teams from Pakistan and India have 16-year-olds who are making centuries at the international level. If we are ever to compete at that level we need to push our younger players into the national programme as early as possible.'' Dexter Basden (Willow Cuts captain): "It's an okay team, certainly not nearly comparable to the ones of old that had quality players like Joe Bailey, Colin Blades and El James. The bowling is not great, you have our fastest bowler in Roger Blades but little else. I would have liked to have seen David (Chick) Adams, but I don't know if he was eligible. I think he would have been better than Bruce Perinchief. Adams always bowls well against international teams. I also like Jeff Richardson in my team, you need somebody like him who can come along later and bash the ball about. The team could also need a new coach because Allan Douglas is not the man for the job, he rarely picks anybody on the other side of Somerset Bridge.''