Bermuda?s all-round cricket ability must improve if they are to qualify for the 2007 Cricket World Cup.

New interim national coach Wendell Smith yesterday outlined deficiencies in every aspect of the game which must be remedied before the team leave here for the final-stage qualifier ? the ICC Trophy ? in Ireland this summer.

Stating that he anticipates his assignment will be an ?interesting experience?, the former national skipper and accredited coach said bowlers must concentrate on accuracy, holding a tight length and line. They must also limit extras.

?That?s something the West Indies did a fantastic job of in the ICC Champions Trophy in England last year. I went to watch them and they were a totally different team than when they were in Bermuda and one of the factors was that they didn?t give up many extras,? said the 44-year-old.

Also critiquing fielding and batting, he promised that a lot of time would be spent on fielding techniques and catching.

?We?re going to do a lot of fielding drills for every possible type of catch there is and, as for batting, we definitely need to work on running between the wickets and accumulating runs without risking wickets.

?Guys need to realise you can score seven (runs) per over without playing carelessly. They need to understand how to construct an innings properly,? elaborated the cricketing veteran.

In addition to practice sessions, Smith revealed much attention would be paid to the sport?s mental side and to physical fitness.

?The mental aspect of the game is just as important ? having guys in a positive frame of mind,? he said, adding that self-affirmation techniques would also be used.

?Teams should go to tournaments with cricket intelligence, with players understanding their roles and the position of a game and what specific instances require. They must be capable of thinking through situations while they are on the field.?

As for players? fitness, he disclosed that the 30-member training squad are in the gym three times a week and are undergoing monthly fitness tests to monitor their progress. A nutritionist is also being recruited to work with them on their diets.

Smith, who never fulfilled his dream to play in the World Cup, views this as the Island?s ?best opportunity? to qualify for the cricketing spectacle with five berths available.

He would like Bermuda to finish in the top two of their section in the competition?s group phase. This would assure them of a World Cup place.

?That should be Bermuda?s aim, to not have to be among the four teams battling for that fifth place,? he said, adding that ?everyone will have to work for their position on the team?.

?This is a golden opportunity and the cream of the crop of our cricketers have come on board and that?s very encouraging. For the first time all of Bermuda?s best players have made themselves available for selection and that?s to the country?s benefit.?

The Paget Primary School principal ? who played for Bermuda for more than a decade starting in 1982 ? has coached many of those invited to vie for the 14 spots on the Island?s ICC Trophy team and is familiar with all and their respective potential.

Expressing delight with the dedication which he has already witnessed from the Bermudian squad, he stressed it?s a ?serious commitment? which they are undertaking and they must be absolutely diligent about it.

His belief that the national players are talented and focused enough to achieve this goal was the chief reason Smith accepted the Bermuda Cricket Board?s (BCB) call to assist.

He is confident that, having spent 20-plus years studying the game and with a number of coaching courses (including the intermediate, senior and advanced levels of Britain?s National Cricket Association?s certifications) to his name, he can make a welcome difference.

However, he will happily step aside if and when a full-time coach is appointed.

?I accepted this role because the players appear to be very committed and if the Board bring in someone else in a month or two so be it,? said Smith, who would be happy to remain in an assistant capacity if required.

?This isn?t about Wendell Smith and any glory for me. It?s about helping my country achieve something we have always wanted. I would love to see Bermuda qualify for the World Cup. It was a goal which I didn?t accomplish as a player because we fell short a couple times so whatever role I can play now, I will.?

He refused to be drawn on the possibility that the Board might ask him to stay on and see the team right through the ICC Trophy, saying only that he would deal with that ?if and when the time comes?.