the Shell/Sandals Cup in November, the consensus was that they had to get fitter.

But less than two months before their next serious foray into international competition, no national training programme has been established and players have been told to look after themselves.

Bermuda Cricket Board of Control have also rebuffed an offer from Olympic Club trainer/manager Nick Jones for free use of the Dundonald Street gym's facilities.

"I'm stopped on the street 24 hours a day by players who want to know why they're not training with me,'' said Jones, who prepared -- and travelled with -- the side that finished fourth in the 1994 ICC World Cup qualifier in Kenya.

Jones says he offered Bermuda coach Allan Douglas and BCBC president Ed Bailey "the same deal'' for the upcoming ICC tournament in Malaysia but "there were no takers.'' Neither Bailey nor Douglas could be reached for comment yesterday.

One player hoping to be selected for the national squad travelling to Malaysia also questions why Jones isn't involved. He said he and team-mates were told by officials on the weekend that any training would be done on their own time and expense.

This despite a call from Australian coaching consultant Bob Simpson two months ago, who said Bermuda players needed to get much fitter in order to fend off injuries and compete successfully at the elite level.

"When you're fit, you're mentally fit,'' said Jones.

In 1994, Jones developed strength-training and cardiovascular programmes for players several months before the tournament and travelled with them to Kenya.

He said he had heard nothing but praise for his work with the players since.

Not coincidentally, one player told The Royal Gazette , the tournament was one of the few in which no player broke down.

Jones points to another national team veteran, Bruce Perinchief, who has been hobbled the past several seasons by a tender hamstring that requires constant care. Perinchief, who also receives treatment at the Olympic Club, "shouldn't be paying to go to the gym and shouldn't be paying to look after his injury,'' said Jones.

In exchange for the use of the club, as well as its rehabilitation services this year, Jones also requested that he travel with the team to Malaysia.

Jones, who has worked similar deals with other national squads, said his offer came from the heart.

"I just want Bermuda in the World Cup,'' he said.