games against the touring MCC team in May has been given the thumbs-up by Bermuda Cricket Board of Control.

Reid, in charge of the squad prior to the arrival of national coach Roland Butcher early next month, was told last week that the MCC will now play just one game against Premier Division champions Western Stars -- and the remaining six will be against the ICC squad or select teams comprising of mostly ICC players.

The MCC tour takes place from May 17 to May 28.

"I'm really pleased that our national team players will have more than one or two games. You would want to give them as much practice as possible before they go off to the ICC,'' said Reid.

"They will need to show us how they have benefited from training, how they can perform against formidable opposition like the MCC and show us just where they are form-wise.'' The tournament in Toronto will be one of the most crucial international events for Bermuda this year as the squad seek to earn a place in the 2003 World Cup finals in South Africa.

Players have been in serious training since last November, both indoors and outdoors, and while some observers feel that the delay in Butcher's arrival could have a negative effect on their preparation, Reid insists that things have progressed well.

"The guys are doing some good stuff,'' he said. "A lot of people are of the opinion that since Butcher is not here they are not doing well. But they have been training since November and the attendance has been great in the gym and during outdoor sessions.

"We are not saying we are going to sit back and wait for Butcher, the players know their responsibilities.

"I am satisfied with the progress they are making in most areas, not all, but most. When you are dealing with a senior squad, players 28 years-old and above, and you ask them to make changes, it's difficult. So you tend to try to help them improve on whatever they are good at, because if you start new things at this stage of their careers, by the time June comes they will not have time to adjust.

"We had a beautiful session at Lord's last Saturday and if the public were to come out and watch they would see the 150 percent effort the players are giving. I think when Mr. Butcher comes he will able to take them to another level.''