Chanderpaul ... We have to be on top of our game and play to our full potential. We always have a good team but the performances are what will count. - FILE
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC:
WEST INDIES captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul has called Australia a formidable opponent, but believes his team can challenge the world champions in the upcoming three-Test series.
The team left the Caribbean on Monday evening to play Test matches in Brisbane (November 3-7), Hobart (November 17-21) and Adelaide (November 25-29). "Australia are strong and present a formidable opponent. We have to be on top of our game and play to our full potential. We always have a good team but the performances are what will count," the 31-year-old said.
"I am expecting the guys to be focused and put in big efforts. We can do it," he added. This will be the first time Chanderpaul will be leading the West Indies in a Test series in Australia and he said he was eagerly looking forward to the challenge. "The bowling is an area where we will be looking at. We will be missing Pedro (Collins), but we have a group of guys who will be up to the fight," said Chanderpaul who admitted he was still basking in the glory of Guyana's win over Barbados in the KFC Cup final on Sunday.
NO TEST CENTURY
Chanderpaul has played 88 Test matches and made 6,069 runs, but has never made a Test century Down Under. "In Australia it's always tough and you take what you get. I will be looking to get some scores and fight hard. I don't know what will happen, but I would want to win and let the runs take care of themselves."
The team, travelling in two groups, left Barbados and Jamaica for Australia via London, England. The larger group of players and officials, based in the Eastern Caribbean and headed by team manager Tony Howard, assembled in Barbados then departed for London.
OPENING BATSMAN
Opening batsman Devon Smith, who was scheduled to join the group in Barbados Monday, missed his flight out of Grenada and travelled yesterday. Some players from Jamaica also left Monday afternoon on their way to London where they will join the larger party. Wavell Hinds and Chris Gayle will travel to Australia today.
Hinds received permission to remain in Jamaica to take care of "pre-arranged personal family business". And Gayle only recently returned to Jamaica after participating in the ICC Super Series in Australia and will travel with Hinds. Brian Lara, already in Australia for the ICC Super Series, will join the squad there.
