Bermuda’s cricketers received some batting pointers from one of the Caribbean’s former top batsmen at the Frank Worrell Cricket Academy in Trinidad yesterday.

Larry Gomes, who scored 3,171 Test runs between 1976 and 1987 for the West Indies, took advantage of yesterday’s rained-out match involving Bermuda and Clarke Road United to lecture the Island’s national team cricketers.

And according to the legendary West Indies figure, who played on Clyde Lloyd’s all-conquering squad, the touring cricketers enjoyed every minute of it.

“I kept stressing to the guys to believe in themselves and in their ability. I also tried to teach them how to think better when they are batting in the middle and so on,” Gomes told The Royal Gazette.

“I told them never be intimidated by the opposition and really tried to drill into their heads the importance of getting the bat on to the ball.”

Gomes now intends to keep a close eye on Bermuda’s batsmen for the remainder of their stay in Trinidad.

“Hopefully we will have another session in the nets tomorrow (today) before Saturday’s game. But from what I’ve seen so far I think Bermuda definitely have some potential among their batsmen,” he added.

The former Middlesex bat and current Under-15 national coach of the USA is presently assisting Logie during Bermuda’s tour of Trinidad along with other former West Indies players Bernard Julian, Tony Gray and Raphick Jumadeen.

“Although rain messed up the game yesterday (Wednesday) I thought the guys batted well, especially Lionel (Cann) who scored a century (109),” Gomes said. “I was very impressed with his innings and when he hits the ball it stays hit.

“I thought the running between the wickets was also good and so far I’ve been impressed, even though the guys haven’t played any cricket in a few weeks or so. I thought it would take them a little while to get back in the groove.”

Meanwhile, it was confirmed yesterday that Bermuda will take part in a triangular series in Antigua next month against Bangladesh and Canada as preparation for March’s World Cup in Trinidad.

Bermuda will play Bangladesh in the first match on February 25 at the newly constructed Sir Vivian Richards International Stadium.

The Island will then play against Americas region rivals Canada on February 26. Canada will play their second match against Bangladesh on February 28.

The World Cup, which is being held in the Caribbean for the first time, starts on March 13.

Bermuda and Bangladesh have both been placed in Group B along with India and Sri Lanka, while Canada are in Group C with England, New Zealand and Kenya.

Bermuda are due to compete in the World Cricket League in Kenya later this month before taking on England and Zimbabwe in World Cup warm-up matches in St.Vincent in early March.