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Host West Indies’ World Cup squad seems to be fairly balanced. The only surprise inclusion has come in the form of Kieron Pollard, the all-rounder who has managed to topple a few experienced names in the regular team.
After winning the first two editions of Cricket World Cup, in 1975 and 1979, West Indies have not been able to reach the pinnacle of cricketing glory again. Their victory in the finals of ICC Champions Trophy 2004 was like a ray of hope. However, they have not been able to maintain consistency required to compete vociferously at an international level.
For the World Cup, West Indies’ team will be led by Brian Lara. The world-class batsman is playing in his last edition of the quadrennial event and will be keen to help Windies recreate old magic. Along with Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan, Lara will have to spearhead the team’s batting order.
Despite being involved in a few controversies of late, batsman Marlon Samuels has found a berth in the West Indies World Cup team. He will have to perform exceptionally well in this tournament to silence his critics and detractors.
The other prominent names in West Indies’ World Cup squad are Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Darren Powell, Corey Collymore and Jerome Taylor. Gayle is regarded as one of the world’s best all-rounders at present.
Playing at home, West Indies have a lot of advantages during the ICC World Cup 2007. They are used to the conditions and pitches here, and will also have the maximum crowd support. On March 13th, West Indies will play the opening match of World Cup against Pakistan in Jamaica. Zimbabwe and Ireland are the other teams listed with them in Group D.
West Indies’ 15-man squad for World Cup : |
Brian Lara (C)
Ian Bradshaw
Dwayne Bravo
Shivnarine Chanderpaul
Corey Collymore
Chris Gayle
Daren Powell
Kieron Pollard
Denesh Ramdin
Marlon Samuels
Ramnaresh Sarwan
Lendl Simmons
Devon Smith
Dwayne Smith
Jerome Taylor
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