Chris Douglas' transformation from troubled-teen to responsible cricketer is almost complete after he was selected as one of six of Bermuda's national team squad to go to a training academy in Australia.

The Warwick Workmen's club player will join Irving Romaine, Rodney Trott, Tamauri Tucker, Kyle Hodsoll, and Oronde Bascome in Brisbane, Australia from October 8th to November 12th.

The Bermuda national team players will get the chance to train and play games with other players from England, Scotland, Holland, South Africa and Pakistan in addition to the academy training programme and academy organized games.

The players will also be assigned to local cricket clubs in Brisbane for the duration on their stay, which will give them a chance to train with an Australian club and also play regular fixtures.

Arnold Manders, Cricket Development Director, will also attend for part of the time to assess the players and work with the academy officials and coaches to experience how an international cricket academy programme is managed and structured.

Youngster Chris Douglas, who has been in a rich vein of form on the international stage since his inclusion to the side before they departed for the Tri-Series in Canada, is excited about the opportunity to go 'Down Under' and play in the country where the best team in the world ply their trade.

"It will be a great experience as we are going to the home of the world champions and where cricket is like a religion," said Douglas.

"My uncle also went there and learned a lot so I will be looking forward to getting there and getting some valuable pointers.

"We don't feel any pressure being the younger guys who will eventually be the future of the sport.

"It feels good to be recognised at our ages but we don't want people getting carried away.

"In the past few tours we have been the ones to bring Bermuda along so this is a good step in the right direction, and we will look to gain knowledge from this trip.

"In the long run, this will give us the opportunity to grow within the sport and come back as better cricketers and ready to represent our country."

National coach Gus Logie is also a happy camper with the decision to send these players down, stating that it will only help the Island in the upcoming America's Cup and World Cup Qualifying early next year.

"The opportunity to train and play in an atmosphere of discipline, passion and excellence and with some of the best players and coaches should be a dream come true for our players," Logie said.

"This time is a critical element of Bermuda's preparation to compete in the Americas Cup in November 2008 and the World Cup Qualifiers in April 2009.

"The players will be tutored in the areas of sports psychology, captaincy ¿ both on and off field, added to the technical, tactical and match scenarios.

"The players will be coached in batting and fielding and will have regular fitness training. There is a great opportunity for the players to experience a different cricket culture.

"It is hoped their all-round game and personal development will be enhanced and their increased knowledge will benefit others when they return home," he added.