It is time our cricketers start learning from the rest of the world. Two issues arose this past week that made me think of Bermuda cricketers. West Indies had already lost the one-day international series to South Africa, with each of the first three matches heavily one-sided, but their response in the fourth ODI was enjoyable to see.

The other issue that came to light is that Canada now have dropped into World Cricket League Division Three, which means the Americas region has plummeted to an all-time low.

So how does all this reflect on Bermuda cricket, one may ask?

Bermuda and Canada have to start asking questions as to what it is that we are doing wrong compared with other regions around the world. Bermuda and Canada were once part of the WCL Championship, but now we have both lost the plot. Meanwhile, other countries such as Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea, Nepal and Malaysia have drastically improved. What is it that we are not doing this side of the world that those on the other side of the world are doing better?

It is very clear that Bermuda must start using our resources and connections if we are to crawl back to the heights where we belong. We must start playing a tri-series yearly with Canada and United States, along with trying to get involved in some Caribbean cricket.

Years ago, Bermuda played in the Red Stripe Bowl against some of the best that the West Indies had to offer. Although we lost the majority of our games, our cricketers gained valuable experience. Hence, years later when we played against competition closer to our ability — Ireland, UAE, Denmark, Uganda and the US — we were able to overcome the odds and qualify for the World Cup.

Losing teaches you some harsh lessons, but if you have the right coaching staff in place and players have the right mentality, they will understand that it’s not about the now, but the future.

Coaches are there to reinforce to the players the vision of the country and to keep the players focused on the task, thus realising that it is a process. The players have to be mentally strong because to improve you must lose some along the way. It is what you learn from your mistakes and how you bounce back that is important, which segues into my next point about West Indies and South Africa.

West Indies were thrashed 4-1 by South Africa in the one-day series. With the series already lost, West Indies were expected to fold, despite every match needing to assist in planning for the World Cup next month. But they did just the opposite. Andre Russell helped to pull off a surprise victory by scoring 64 in 40 balls, thus sending West Indies players into joyous celebration.

One writer wrote: West Indian cricketers would be sober men indeed if they waited for ODI victories before having a drink, but they finally had a performance to open a bottle to in Port Elizabeth, with Russell providing the coup de grace.

West Indies captain Jason Holder told ESPNcricinfo: “It’s been a tough tour so far. We’ve lost the series, but it’s about salvaging some pride. I was pleased to see the way the guys came out and won this game today.”

As I sat watching my TV, I thought about the Bermuda team in Malaysia and hoped that every one of them was watching, as this is a lesson for any young aspiring cricketer to learn. When you are playing for your country, every win and every loss is important. You play every game as if it is your last and you give your all from beginning to end.

As I sat and watched the winning runs by West Indies, I was left in awe. To see the reaction of their coaches and players, particularly Darren Sammy, when the winning six was hit, it was overwhelming. It let you know how much pride they had in playing for their nation and their efforts was validated with a victory.

To stay focused even when one is defeated takes tremendous character, but playing for your country should be enough to ensure you give of your best regardless of the situation.