Bermuda’s World Cup heroes-in-making have been instructed by their wives: “Show the world what you can do and make us proud.”

As the team prepares to make history in the tournament later this week, the players’ wives, girlfriends and family members will tomorrow fly out to Trinidad to cheer them on.

The spouses of three of the key players — captain Irving Romaine, former skipper Clay Smith and wicketkeeper Dean Minors — told The Royal Gazette about their excitement ahead of the big tournament.

They spoke of what it will mean to watch their husbands pit their wits against some of the finest cricket teams in the world.

They urged them to do everything within their powers to create a massive upset in momentous games against giants Sri Lanka and India, and to give it their best shot against the relatively unfancied but comparatively experienced Bangladesh.

Nicole Smith, wife of Clay, said: “For them to walk on that grand stage, I think the tears will roll.

“It’s going to be one momentous day, mark my word. We are all going to be jumping and screaming and be very happy that we have done our country proud.

“Regardless of what we feel that they are not as good as the other teams, anything can happen in cricket. I have watched it over and over.

“I truly believe that God is going to bless the team as a whole. If we do our best, we have a team that can make Bermuda proud.

“Looking at the batsmen, they haven’t been on form. Wouldn’t it be a great and wonderful thing if they all come on form at the same time? What a time for it to come together.”

Crystal Minors, wife of Dean, said: “This is a huge thing for the Island. They are making history.

“The most important thing for me is that my husband is recognising a life-long goal by actually being there. It doesn’t get much better than this.

“I want them to have an upset and I truly think they could do something major. But the most important thing is to be able to say they have done their best.

“It’s a lot of pressure because they’re going into uncharted territories. They know what they’re up against but they just have to believe in themselves.

“I’m not sure the enormity has hit home yet. It may not until the World Cup begins.”

Daniela Romaine, wife of Irving, said: “They are my team, I’m proud of them and wish them all the best.”

See tomorrow’s paper for a full page of messages encouraging Bermuda’s cricketers to do the Island proud.

‘It doesn’t get much better than this’