It is no secret that losing young Chris Douglas is a massive blow to the Bermuda national cricket team, but the side can draw strength knowing that just four years' ago Bermuda were in the same predicament and still qualified.

It was exhilarating to watch young Douglas from the sidelines take an excellent catch low to the ground, but horrifying split seconds later to hear him scream out in pain. Initially we thought he had struck his already injured finger, but as he ran to the sidelines it was evident that his tournament was over before it began.

The anguish and frustration on his face brought tears to my eyes as I pondered, here we go again.

One thing about the Bermuda national cricket team is that we are used to having to deal with adversity.

Back in 2005, I was in Chris Douglas' position. Having worked so hard, I was geared up for the tournament only to tear my hamstring in the very first game and was ruled out for the remainder of the qualifying rounds.

Recalling my own situation and agony, as I laid there on the bed, the physiotherapist didn't have to tell me I had torn my hamstring. I knew immediately.

The only thing I didn't know was how long I would be out for. Initially, the physiotherapist said 10 days minimum, which meant I would miss all of the qualifying rounds of the tournament.

If Bermuda were to qualify they would have to do it without me. I laid there and cried profusely as I could not help but reflect on how many hours of extra sacrifice I had put in to help make my dream become a reality. My dream was to be left in the hands of my team-mates who I knew and trusted would get the job done.

As you know, cricket is a team sport and the team pulled their socks up and battled. Taking one game at a time, staying focused and working together as a team we were able to prevail to the semi-finals, thus gaining automatic qualification into Cricket World Cup 2007.

Hence, I feel this current team will go down the same road. We are coming together nicely. I love the passion and hunger that I see in the players' eyes.

This will be a very tough period for Chris, though, and I urge Bermudians when you see him back home to greet him with love and let him know he will be a big miss, but encourage him to fight on.

He has worked so hard on improving his game and has added a touch of class to the team. His presence alone gave the team insurance and confidence.

This was to be his very first tournament and knowing Chris, he wanted to make a big impact. Unfortunately, things like this happen in life for whatever reason. Chris can draw strength from his team-mates, knowing that they are going to do everything in their power to keep his dream of playing in the next Cricket World Cup alive.

This team are eager and destined for success through the trials and tribulations that they have encountered. First, the loss of Kyle's mother and now the loss of a team-mate through injury. What more motivation to prevail will this team need?

At a time like this many Bermudians will see the glass half empty, but I urge the current team to see the glass as half full, for it is through adversity that great teams are made.

I managed to briefly interview Chris Douglas and here is what he had to say.

Q: What was your initial thought when you saw the injury?

A: As soon as I saw the bone sticking out I knew that was the end of my tour, it was that bad.

Q: Now having had the operation, what thoughts run through your mind?

A: I am disappointed as I was hoping to really excel in this tournament with hopes of catching a few peoples' eye and possibly playing elsewhere this summer.

Q: Any parting words for your team-mates before you had back to Bermuda?

A: Good luck to the boys, they have won games before without me and they can do it again.

Q: When can Bermuda expect to see Chris Douglas back on the playing field?

A: My rehabilitation is due to start towards the end of June so hopefully mid July or late July just prior to Cup Match.

Bermuda, "There is something special in the air". This team have so much raw talent it is incredible. The hard work put in over the last year, and more so over the last few months, will certainly enable them to reap what they have sown – the guys are more than ready.

If there is one thing that you as a country can do for us is to pray. Pray for our protection on and off of the field. God answers prayers, and I know that Bermuda is a praying country. We thank you in advance for your prayers and God willing when we return to our beautiful island of Bermuda we will have qualified yet again.

Motto for the week: Our success has not been a continual series of victories. We have had a number of devastating setbacks; how these are handled is the making of a great team . . . winning does not happen in straight lines – Clive Woodward (England rugby captain)