Gibson confident in Windies

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – West Indies coach Ottis Gibson has expressed confidence in his side’s chances in the World Twenty20 Tournament taking place in Sri Lanka this month.

Gibson said the composition of the team struck the right balance between experience and talent, and he expected West Indies to live up to his belief that they can win the title.

The 15 man squad flew out of the Caribbean Sunday enroute to Sri Lanka for the 12 team tournament from September 18 to October 7.

“The players have done very well at the camp and looking at the composition of the team. . .we have a good combination, a good mix of experience and young players” said Gibson following a nine day training camp in Barbados.

“We feel we have a real good chance of doing very well in this tournament”.

Darren Sammy’s side is ranked as favourites by several of the world’s current and former cricketers.

The squad includes some of the world’s leading Twenty/20 players such as Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo and Sunil Narine.

“They have been stars of the Indian Premier League, and have in-depth knowledge of this format,” he said.

“The captain, Darren Sammy, is in great form, so too Andre Russell and Fidel Edwards, and there are others that can step up.”

West Indies have been drawn in Group B along with Australia and Ireland – and both first round matches will be played at the Premadasa Stadium in Sri Lanka capital of Colombo.

Gibson said it was hard to predict which sides were the biggest threat in the competition and it was important that West Indies focus on the things within their control.

“On the day, if everybody executes well, anybody can win a match. We have seen it before. . .In this format, anything is possible”.

“It is important that you are on top of your game on the day, on top of your plans, and people stick to their skills, and always doing the basics. This game still revolves around string basics.”

West Indies open the tournament against the Aussies on Saturday, September 22 followed by a clash with the Irish on September 24.