teams-wi sport cricket-world-cup Virgin Media
Winners of the first two World Cups in the 1970s, the West Indies suffered a dip in fortune during the nineties that has extended until recently. However their form has picked up in the last two years with the discovery of some fine young talent and they look certain to put on a good show in front of their home fans.
Runners-up in last year's ICC Trophy in India, the West Indies are in Group D alongside Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Ireland and will be based in Jamaica. While they remain best known for such greats as Clive Lloyd, Viv Richards and, more recently, Curtly Ambrose and Brian Lara, a new batch of all-rounders have given the side serious promise as they look to the World Cup and beyond.
Brian Lara has been in charge since April 2006 in what is his third stint in the job. While his captaincy is not in the same league as his legendary batting, this is more due to his incredible acumen with the willow. He maintains the ability to change any game with the bat, and is a more than capable skipper, even if he is not the most talismatic.
Chris Gayle has improved remarkably over the last year and a half and is now one of the most fearsome batsmen in world cricket. His hard hitting at the top of the order can end a game before it's even really begun, while his offspinners have become more than useful and are improving all the time.
One of the fresh batch of all-rounders referred to earlier, Dwayne Bravo has the potential to take this World Cup by storm. While his overall averages suggest mediocrity, he has been more consistent of late and has the ability to turn a match with either bat or ball.
With the home crowd behind them they should be good for the semis, and are a solid outside bet to steal the show from Australia.
