The countdown is on for cricketers aspiring to represent Bermuda in the ICC Trophy - 24 days to go!

New national coach Gus Logie yesterday declared May 14 as the date on which the 27-member national squad will be chopped to a final 14 for the all-important Cricket World Cup qualifier in Ireland in July.

And less on-lookers be mistaken by his soft-spoken, mild-mannered demeanour, the former West Indies player and coach means business, warning that “no excuses” will be tolerated.

“In the next few weeks we will have some practice games and also skills-training sessions and, of course, elimination will be the order of the day,” he said.

“We're going to try and whittle the squad down to a possible 14 by May 14 which will give us time to work specifically with them in preparation for the ICC Trophy.”

Though yet to consult with fellow selectors, the Trinidadian who succeeds Guyana's Mark Harper noted that who goes and who is omitted depends on collective issues.

“Of course it's a combination of factors. Your fitness level is going to be very important. The One-Day game takes no prisoners. You've got to be fit.

“We're also looking for some experience and, of course, (for) the players who we feel are most capable of producing on the field. These are some of the criteria we're going to be looking at.

“I'm certain all the players understand that. They know that if they're not fit it would be difficult to take them on tour.

“If we feel their skill level is not up to the required standard, they know that too will make it difficult for them.

“These are some of the areas we will be looking at very closely,” said Logie, adding that selectors will be relying on physiotherapist Daniel Morgan's assessment heavily to determine which players “will last” the duration of the rigorous tournament from which five teams will qualify for the World Cup.

Another area of emphasis will be stressing players' roles within the team and that team goals take priority.

“We need mentorship and leadership within the team and we hope the players respond. Once that happens I believe the sky is the limit.

“Players must believe that the team comes first. We need to have people playing for the team. We need them to understand what the team wants them to do and be prepared to do it.

“If it means changing their style and approach to batting or bowling, it's very important that we discuss that as a team. If we set goals out and we say we need X amount of runs at a certain time, we want to see people going out there and trying to do that,” he elaborated.

“We want to see an effort. If we say we want to consolidate, we want people to understand those finer points and not just be instinctive - like hitting a ball out the ground just because it's there to be hit.

“It's a matter of thinking the game a bit more.”

While he has assumed his new post with limited time to whip the Bermudians into match shape, Logie is optimistic he can do the job effectively by July.

“There is a base and I think I have enough time to achieve our goals. I know they are not professionals that we are dealing with, so we can't have access to the players every day, but whenever we do have them we're going to be doing quality work and work as a unit and support each other,” he said, noting that given the players' experience there's no need to go into basics.

The 44-year-old coach, who arrived in the Island with the national squad on their return from the ten-day camp in Trinidad, noted that being here is “an opportunity for me to see all the players who are available for selection” as quite a number of potential selectees were unable to make the trip.

His inspection of the broader spectrum of talent available began last Sunday.

“We had a very good session and quite a few of the players who did not make the trip to Trinidad were there.

“What I saw was quite pleasing. There's a lot to work with...I've seen a good work ethic and commitment which is important at this level. We are asking people to be responsible in their approach - not only in their cricket but also off the field. These are qualities that we will be stressing.”

Given the tournament's intensity, the coach insisted his players will be ready for the high-level competition when they reach Ireland.

“As I've said we don't want excuses when we get there. Before they go we will talk about what they can expect: foreign match conditions, perhaps cold weather - you can get three or four seasons in a day - and the nutrition. They're not going to get the nice hot meals they do here like rice and peas.

“We're trying to prepare them holistically so there will be no surprises when they get there.”

Despite meagre returns in their four matches - winning just one and performing below expectations - Logie said the Bermudians responded well to the camp and any adjustments they were asked to make.

“The players themselves were disappointed with their individual performances and even the team results but results were not what we were about in Trinidad. We were about assessment and setting out how we go about achieving what we want to achieve. Yes, we fell short in those two areas - no two ways about it.

“A lot of excuses can be made but I'm not about to make any and this is something we don't want the players to do - getting into the habit of making excuses. We've got to face the situation full-on.

“We were just not ready and certainly not up to par in Trinidad but that doesn't mean we can't be ready for the ICC Trophy if we look at the mistakes and commit ourselves to the cause.”

In the upcoming practice games, the coach hopes to see “a different approach” by players, showing greater dedication to realising team goals - whether batting, bowling or fielding.

One player who has already earned Logie's praise is spin-bowling all-rounder Dwayne (Sluggo) Leverock.

“I must admit I have to keep calling his name. This guy has truly been a revelation. He follows every instruction.

“He has been running, training, doing everything. He is really an inspiration to all the guys. I hope he continues and that some of the others take a leaf from his book.”