Injured skipper Clay Smith has asked the public for patience in the aftermath of the national side?s bruising tour of the Middle East.

Speaking to last night, Smith admitted his frustration at being on the sidelines while the team ? in particular the batsmen ? struggled to live up to the heightened expectations that have accompanied their new semi-professional status.

He denied, however, that there was any reason to panic over Bermuda?s nine consecutive losses in limited over internationals.

?We are right at the start of a new era and it is going to take us time to adjust,? he said.

?Obviously I am disappointed with the tour like everybody else but these sorts of experiences are all part of the process and can give us a better understanding of what we need to improve ahead of the World Cup.

?It wasn?t that long ago remember when people were jumping all over us when we lost a few games in England in the run-up to the ICC Trophy ? but it was what we learned from those losses that helped us succeed in Ireland.

?The squad we took to UAE had a lot of younger guys in it as well who had very limited experience of international cricket and it was a major learning curve for them. The likes of myself, David Hemp, OJ Pitcher, Delyone Borden and Kwame Tucker were all unavailable for a variety of reasons so there are a lot of players to come in who could make the side stronger.

?But the experience and exposure we are going to get from going away on a more regular basis will stand us in good stead and I think it?s important we don?t get carried away with this setback.?

The skipper added that he would be playing a full part in the tour post-mortem by sitting down with Gus Logie and a few of his senior players to discuss the shortcomings.

?I know I?ve been injured for a while but I am still very much part of the set-up,? he said.

?Before they left, Gus included me in on a few team meetings and I would imagine that will be the same when they come back. It is important for me to be there as well because there is a lot of information that I need to know in order to lead the team better when I?m fit again.?

Chairman of selectors Arnold Manders, meanwhile, argued that not too much should be read into the whitewash.

?I?m not too concerned really,? he said.

?There were a lot of players unavailable and this trip was used as an opportunity for some younger guys to stake a claim for a place. Now in all fairness not many of them did so but at least they were given a chance.

?I don?t think also that the general public quite understands what a good side UAE is, especially when they?re at home and in season.

?Our guys went out there out of season and on the back of only a few weeks preparation so I knew it was going to be tough. I?m always optimistic though and I am confident things will get turned around.?