While optimistic about the team's chances in the first match against defending champions Barbados at Sabina Park from January 9-12, coach Rohan Kanhai said the team's preparation had been adversely affected by the weather.
``It has been against us for the past week and this has limited our match and net practice because of the wet surface,'' the former West Indies captain said.
``Still, we have undergone the necessary physical and fielding practice.'' One area of concern has to do with the absence of West Indies ``A'' team members Jimmy Adams, Robert Samuels, Wavel Hinds, Laurie Williams and Leon Garrick who are still in South Africa and will miss the Barbados match.
``True, the core of the batting lineup is in South Africa, but, of course, this will create opportunities for some of the younger players,'' Kanhai said.
``I am looking forward for them to grab the opportunity, as this is a very important game for us,'' he said.
Today's practice match will be selected from the squad of 22, including West Indies fast bowlers Courtney Walsh and Franklyn Rose, along with Patrick Patterson. Kanhai said the presence of these players will serve to strengthen the bowling. Walsh and Nehemiah Perry are the likely captains for this weekend's match.
Meanwhile, the chairman of selectors, Chester Watson disclosed that young cricketers, Ryan Cunningham and Marlon Samuels, will not be available, having left for the Under-19 World Cup in South Africa on Wednesday night. Their places in the squad have been taken by Walsh and Rose, but there is need for a substitute player, as another invitee, Dwight Mais, has not shown up thus omitting himself.
The teams: Courtney Walsh, Franklyn Rose, Mario Ventura, Brian Murphy, Kerron Baker, Ricardo Powell, Andre Coley, Denville McKenzie, Julian Royal and a substitute player to be named.
Nehemiah Perry, Patrick Patterson, Gareth Breese, Shane Ford, Chris Gayle, Carl Wright, Tamar Lambert, Kirk Powell, Oniel Richards, Carlton Baugh Jr. and Paul Tomlinson, a young fast bowler from Westmoreland.