Island by the Indians, according to Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president Ed Bailey.

The president was speaking following a sixth consecutive loss on Sunday by the tourists at the hands of local opposition.

"I think it was equally beneficial to both,'' said Bailey before exchanging gifts with the visitors at White Hill field. "In all fairness, we at the board had the chance to showcase new players.

"Hyderabad were not as strong as we expected, but were by no means a weak side.'' Many in observance, however, begged to differ, with the prevailing opinion being that this latest offering from Hyderabad may have been the weakest side ever to tour Bermuda.

Statistics appear to back up the notion. While the Indian bowling -- particularly the spinners -- served to baffle local batsmen on occasion, their batting left much to be desired.

They cracked the 150 mark just once in the series of 50 overs contests and were skittled out for a mere 58 against St. George's. Their best chance at victory came against a Bermuda President's XI racked by absentees -- at least four members failed to show -- when they crumbled from 59-without-loss to 148 all out while chasing 189.

Still Bailey, and selection committee member Cal (Bummy) Symonds, were convinced lessons could be learned.

"What Bermuda needs is this kind of team coming down here that can help us learn to deal with spin,'' said Symonds, a fixture at all the matches. "We really lack concentration with regards to spin and the more we get the better.'' Bailey made a similar point before continuing to mention the goodwill component and the fact that Bermuda have been invited to engage in a reciprocal tour.

He admitted that the event was not a "financial bonanza'' as far as reaping great profits, preferring to regard it as an investment toward the future and part of Bermuda's maturation process.

Meanwhile, Hyderabad's captain Vikram Mansingh and vice-captain Ramakrishnan Sridhar explained how their ranks had been depleted even before they left India with valuable medium-pacers Srinivas and Ramkishen denied travel visas.

However, they said that this was no excuse for their performance, especially the batting failures, adding that the tour was an exciting and enjoyable one for them.

"We've had the chance to play a lot of good games against good teams,'' said the bespectacled Sridhar, a left-arm orthodox spin bowler and middle-order batsman. "It's been a great experience playing against some good medium-pace bowling.

"Losing is a part of the game and it's going to help our youngsters a lot when they get back home.'' Sridhar said that the batsmen would become frustrated in being bogged down by tight bowling and when they attempted to hit out wickets were lost.

Almost to a man, Hyderabad expressed a desire to return, but for now they will have to deal with the cooler climes and seaming wickets of Great Britain as they embark on a 16-match tour.