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West Indies all-rounder Vasbert Drakes isn't about to jump the gun. But he believes the regional side will be cocked and ready to fire at next year's World Cup in South Africa.

"It's all about maintaining our consistency, and living up to our true potential. Once we do those two things, we should be in there with a chance," Drakes told the SUNDAY SUN yesterday.

For Drakes, once selected, playing in the World Cup puts him at an instant advantage, and summits him to a position of leadership. After all, he's played professionally in South Africa, which is his home away from home.

Fresh off playing in his belated first Test against Bangladesh a fortnight ago, and showing he can make an impact with bat and ball, Drakes expects the World Cup to be extremely challenging for West Indies.

"The World Cup could be the highlight of my career, so I'm really looking forward to playing, and proving myself. It's a tournament that's the equivalent to the World Cup in football, so every team will be coming in at full strength, and it's a chance to excel at the highest level."

Drakes said One-Day cricket had become extremely competitive over the last few years, but West Indies, though considered underdogs, could spring some upsets.

"The youngsters in the team have shown what they can do in recent times. Once we get our concentration together, I know we have the talent to do well. I don't want to jump the gun, but I know we've come a long way over the past year, and once we play well, reaching the semifinals of the World Cup is a reality."

"We have to be very conscious about what we need to do, and how we need to play against each opponent. If we can do that, we'll be okay.

According to Drakes, a level of maturity, mental toughness and teamwork was shown on their two recent tours.

"It's not easy to tour the sub-continent and do well like we did. There's the culture change, the different wickets, and the big crowds screaming at you, and it's not easy to perform, but the guys stood up to be counted. That was very pleasing to see, from such young players."

© The Barbados Nation