As Bermuda’s cricketers take on England today in a World Cup warm-up match, they know they will have the support of a nation behind them.

And today The Royal Gazette asks everyone in Bermuda to show that support — and inundate us with good luck messages we can send to the team before they kick off their debut World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on March 15.

It is the biggest sporting event in the Island’s history and a massive achievement that has helped to put the international spotlight firmly on Bermuda.

And it is important that the Island’s people recognise that achievement and unite to send the players their good luck messages.

The Premier, Dr. Ewart Brown said: “Words alone cannot express how proud we are of our national cricket team. They have taken this country to heights in cricket some of us never thought possible.

“We, as a country and a Government, can now stand proudly amidst the family of cricketing nations and truly feel the joy of being seen by those around us as a country that takes its sport seriously and backs it up with a steadfast commitment.

“All we ask of our national team is to focus, do their very best and know that at whatever level of success they achieve, they would have done their country proud.”

People wanting to send good luck messages can e-mail them to: news[AT]royalgazette.bm clearly marking the e-mail ‘World Cup Message’.

You can also drop into The Royal Gazette <$>offices, in Par-La-Ville Road, and fill in one of our World Cup message forms at the reception desk, or you can write to The Royal Gazette>clearly marking your envelope World Cup Message.

All messages should be kept to no more than 50 words and should include your name, address and a telephone contact number.

Bermuda football legend, Clyde Best, said: “I hope they enjoy every moment. To play in the World Cup is special — not many people get the opportunity to do that, so they just have to go out there and do the best they can.

“We are not going to win the World Cup. We would love it if we could, but we’re not going to. But just being there is good enough for me. That’s my World Cup.

“For a country our size, this is just fantastic. I’ll be supporting the team, we’ve all got to support our team.

“I’m a cricket lover myself — I thoroughly enjoy the game.”

And former Manchester City player, Shaun Goater, added: “First of all, congratulations to the team on getting there. Now their hard work and professionalism can pay dividends. I hope they can do well in the first stages and that will give them the belief to go further.

“All Bermuda is behind them. They don’t need to worry about any positive or negative things that people might say. They should just go and enjoy it.

“Right now, I don’t really think we can know what this means without a ball having been bowled yet. When it all kicks off, it’s going to be amazing.

“This squad has brought world attention to Bermuda. The focus is on Bermuda.

“This is so good for young kids striving to play cricket. It can be a platform for them. They can see the guys playing in the World Cup and say: ‘That’s what I want to do when I grow up.’