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The backyard of international cricket, once a redoubtable side to play against, bastion of cricket, the West Indies are the host of world cup 2007. Though they haven’t got that poisonous sting of 70s and 80s, they have, in their repertoire, many weapons of mass destruction.

After winning the world cups of 1975 and 1979 consummately, West Indies were at their meridian. In every world cup afterwards, they have been trying diligently though fruitlessly to regain their glory.

Brian Lara, the highest test scorer and a classy left-handed batsman is leading Windies in this world cup. Like many other star performers, this one is his last world cup. He is disparate to leave the cricket grounds on a high note. He is such a batsman who can single-handedly win the game at a given day.

Opening of West Indies is adorned with Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Chris Gayle. Their’s is the best opening combination in the game. Where Chanderpaul brings harmony and stability to batting, Gayle flashes all around the ground. This amalgamation of aggression and calmness has toppled the opponents many a time. With plethora of experience in their kit, the pair has got to deliver and deliver in galore. To add icing on the cake, Chris Gayle is a fine break-through giver with his spin bowling.

With Average above 44 and more than 100 matches, the middle order gets strengthened by Ramnaresh Sarwan. He has just debuted 7 years ago in 2000 and is considered to be in line with world’s top class batsmen. Other mid-layer components in Windies tier include Dwayne Bravo, Marlon Samuels and Lendl Simmons.

The bowling of Windies is not as spectacular and killer as it was used to be, but it has the flair and passion required at this level. Jerome Taylor and Corey Colleymore are the pick of the bowlers along with Devon Smith and Kieron Pollard and Daren Powell.

Suffice is to say that West Indies could be another dark horse for this world cup.