The ICC Division 3 Tournament is closing in on us and the magnitude of the tournament on our local shores has a major buzz in the air.The naysayers are condemning us before a team is even picked, but the majority of those who love the sport are backing the team 100 percent, knowing that the outcome dictates the direction that Bermuda cricket will go in. To get promoted means that more funding comes back into cricket, this will open up doors for the Bermuda Cricket Board to insert more money into grassroots cricket.On the other hand, to get demoted means we will plummet backwards some ten to twenty years, as we will not have a choice but to shrink the Cricket Board staff, in both the administrative office and coaching team.Strangely, although we knew about this tournament last summer, we did not secure an extension of Coach Moore’s contract until the end of the tournament which could have been disastrous for us, but thanks to Arnold and his coaching staff that have stepped up to the plate, we seem to be on the right track. Admittedly, Coach Moore’s departure comes at the most inopportune time, and varying opinions have embraced the change, while some believe it will be a huge hindrance. Only time will tell.Regardless, Arnold Manders and his coaching staff have their work cut out for them over the next month to get the team firing on all cylinders. We cannot use Barbados as a good gauge as several of the top players were missing. However, the tour was a success in that it exposed our fringe players to some quality cricket and for the most part they realised that there were many things still to be worked on. There were a couple of outstanding performances, mainly from our senior player Janeiro Tucker. In every game that Janeiro failed to produce the goods so too did Bermuda. Therefore, the experience of Steven Outerbridge, David Hemp, Lionel Cann and Malachi Jones will be vital to our success.Looking at the players at our disposal it shouldn’t be very difficult to select our team. One or two players will be fighting for a place, but the majority of the team should pick itself. The youngsters that did well on tour have certainly given the selectors something to think about. Of particular interest is the left-arm spin bowling of young Delray Rawlins. His bowling stats shocked many, and with the majority of the games, if not all of them being hosted at the National Stadium, where the wickets turn big, he could be our secret weapon if chosen.Hopefully, the players of Bermuda are in tune with the importance of what is to come and are focusing on getting promoted out of this group. At the very least we need to remain in this group and not be demoted. Relegation into the lower group could mean disaster for all. It could mean going back to a part time coach and having minimal administration staff, which all leads to a lack of cricketing opportunities internationally, as funding will suffer further cut backs.This is why it is a fact that the players are of the utmost importance. Their performances on the field have so many implications, which is why they should only be worrying about their cricket and not in constant debates about benefits. The coaching staff and managers should take that pressure off of the players and create the trust factor that it is all under control. Some don’t like when I speak about it but the reality is that the players should not have that additional mental stress hanging over them when they are being looked at to perform at their optimal best.Life or death of Bermuda cricket is the statement hanging over all of us who love this sport. There have been many before now who have worked so hard to help Bermuda cricket prosper over the years and it would be a shame to see it all go down the drain. I trust that our team is and will work harder than ever to get themselves ready.Some players grow up thinking Cup Match is big and it is, but playing for your country is inexpressible. As players, to win this tournament in Bermuda will give a feeling ten times better than winning any Cup Match. I encourage Arnold, his coaching staff and all of the players to put everything into every training session. Train the same way you play, with enthusiasm and focus so that when you step onto the field of play you feel confident, not only in yourself, but others around you.Players, do not allow your teammates to slacken off in training. Push them when they need to be pushed and support them when they need that support. You all must grow to be one, for when you are in battle you must be willing to put it all on the line for each other on that field. With this attitude and approach you cannot go wrong, because you definitely have the skill set, just prepare the mind for a battle. Again, to win this tournament in Bermuda will be extra special.