National cricket coach Gus Logie believes Bermuda can still punch above their weight on the world stage, providing players take more responsibility for their personal development and show "passion and pride" when representing their country.

After qualifying for the 2007 World Cup and then lifting a maiden Americas Championship Division One title, it seemed as though Bermuda cricket was on the up at that level.

However, a poor string of results since then has seen Bermuda's fortunes take a turn for the worse, with Logie now pointing the finger at a lack of discipline, fitness and national pride as the main stumbling blocks.

"In terms of fitness, individually, the players need to take more responsibility for themselves. We need to see individuals making an effort to use every available avenue that has been given to them - whether it's going to the gym or training in their back yards - to get themselves fit for competition because that's what it all boils down to, individual pride," Logie stressed.

"In order to achieve anything, discipline must be high on the agenda. Our players must be more disciplined in terms of their approach to the game, what they eat, being on time and also what they say to each other because what comes out of a man's mouth is very important."

Logie has also urged his players to be mentally tough to be able to stand up to the rigours of international cricket.

"I think the mental side of the game also has to be developed while we as coaches have to do a lot more work to try and make the players feel more comfortable with themselves, their game and also comfortable with who they are," he said.

"Our players have ability but it must be nurtured in the right way and what they do off the field is very important because discipline and respect for the game, for themselves and for each other is necessary and must take precedence.

"My biggest disappointments have never really been, at times, what happens on the field of play but more what we do when we are off the field as well as our preparation. And we would certainly love to see more of our players having that passion and pride when playing for their country and doing whatever it takes to be successful."

Logie also encouraged his players to adapt an "open-minded approach" to new concepts.

"The players must be open to take instruction, advice and new ideas and new experiences," he said. "If we can get them to understand all of these things, then they will go on to become better individuals and sportsmen."