West Indies captain Brian Lara.
Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer
West Indies captain Brian Lara is full of confidence ahead of his team's opening ICC World Cup against Pakistan at Sabina Park today.
Speaking at a press briefing yesterday during his team's final practice session at Kensington Oval, Lara also said the recent heavy warm-up defeat against India is now behind them.
"I think it definitely gave us a jolt," said Lara. "I think that it is something we needed before such a big tournament. We were 52-2 and 62-8, that's not cricket, but if that were to happen it's best before the tournament starts," said Lara.
"I think the guys have resurrected their confidence and we are looking forward to the game. We know that it is going to be a big crowd, a big occasion for all of us as West Indians and so we just have to put whatever little problems that we had a few days ago and just concentrate on today's match," Lara said.
"Pakistan are a very good team. They are a team that we have great respect for and they have exciting players, a lot of match winners.
Fit players
Fast bowler Daren Powell should play a big part for West Indies in today's opening ICC Cricket World Cup match at Sabina Park. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer
" We have fifteen fit players which is good and it's nice to know that everyone has maintained their full fitness and is free from injury and that's a good start for us coming into the opening game," said Lara who will be playing in his fifth World Cup tournament.
"I think it's a great feeling to have such a tournament in the West Indies," Lara continued. "I think that it is a momentous occasion for myself and for the younger players who will be experiencing their first World Cup."
Pakistan's coach Bob Woolmer said his team will be putting all past results against the West Indies behind and focus on winning today's match.
"I would like to put all the recent results behind us," said Woolmer
He added: "We have to make sure that we are not in anyway complacent."
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