As I continue my task of seeking ways to improve cricket in Bermuda, this week I wish to discuss one of the most important factors of all, if not, the most: the mentality of the player.

The mentality, or mindset, of a player is a huge factor as to why our cricket is at the standard it is now. Far too many of our cricketers do not take the game seriously enough, hence the reason why our national level has dropped and our domestic level is at an all-time low.

For one to prosper in a sport, there must be a competitive bone in their body. That person must have a drive, a desire, a will to win. If you do not possess this drive, desire or will, it does not make sense even playing the sport, which in this case is cricket.

The Bermuda Cricket Board runs a league that, hopefully this year, will consist of two divisions, with the top tier being Premier Division and the lower league being First Division. Outside of these two leagues, there is evening cricket for the less competitive cricketers.

This year could also beckon the return of the Commercial League. If you are serious cricketer and wish to improve, the Premier Division or First Division should be your focus. However, if you are not really competitive, do not like training much or are playing just to keep fit, I suggest that you join an Evening League team.

Players, I don’t mean to be harsh, but reality is this — our national sport is being flooded by players in the league who could not care less about the game. Too many have an appalling attitude or approach.

For example, last year I went to watch a few games at various grounds and I often like to see the different warms-ups being done before a game. That lets me know who is hungry and focused. To my dismay, very little, and in some cases none, warm-ups took place at all.

Coaches have to take some of the blame for allowing standards to drop. Where have the coaches’ standards gone? Have coaches allowed winning to become more important than their programme in that no one has to turn up early to warm up?

The warm-up is extremely important as it prepares you mentally for the battle. You as a player get a sweat on, you hit a few balls, you may bowl a few balls, you get a good stretch, you take a few catches and get your game face on ready for battle.

Sadly, I recall seeing national team players turning up 20 minutes before a game is due to start. This tells me that the frame of mind the player is in — he really does not want to play cricket, but is doing so because he feels he has to.

Ask any Cup Match player what it was like the morning of their first appearance in the classic. You wake up at about 5am and cannot for the sun to come up. The first thing you do is look outside the window praying for sunshine. The adrenalin is flowing with anticipation and you just cannot wait to get to the field. Unfortunately, we seem to get mentally focused only for big matches.

Bermuda players need to set better standards at our clubs if we are to improve the cricket. If our national squad members are setting poor examples, how do we expect the rest of the players to raise their standards? Again, this comes down to the mentality of the players.

Until coaches at the national level press the squad members to raise the bar, this will be the norm. National squad players must have the mentality that they are the best on the island and they will set an example for all to follow. Not only by getting to games early, but by producing the goods.

The way a player thinks plays a huge part in his success. Most good players spend the night before the game packing their gear and daydreaming about what they are going to do the next day. If one puts positive thoughts in their brain, normally it produces a positive outcome or vice versa. I can still hear former national coach Gus Logie saying to us, “Back yourself”, which means believe in your ability.

Players must look within and want more for themselves from the game of cricket. Why train two nights a week and waste a whole weekend if you are not going to be serious about the game. It doesn’t make sense.

I challenge players to bring a positive, hard-working and dedicated mindset to your club this season. Even if you are the only one at the game an hour early warming up, you be the person to lead and the rest will follow.

Especially when they see that you are the one scoring the runs or taking the wickets.

Quote of the week: “In order to excel, you must be completely dedicated to your chosen sport. You must also be prepared to work hard and be willing to accept constructive criticism. Without 100 per cent dedication, you won’t be able to do this.” — Wilson Mizner