Monday, January 08, 2007

Windies coach upbeat on World Cup

Coach Bennett King insists West Indies can become the first ever host team to the win the World Cup.

But he admits there is still work to do to prevent Australia from winning a third successive title.

"We've been winning games against really good opposition, which gives the players confidence. We've just got to maintain that consistency," said King.

"The limited-overs format at the moment suits us better. With that in mind, we're optimistic."

West Indies, who open the World Cup against Pakistan in Jamaica on 13 March, beat Australia during the group stages of the ICC Champions Trophy.

They lost to Ricky Ponting's side in the final of the tournament in India in November and have since endured a difficult tour of Pakistan.

But they return to India for a four-match series later this month in good heart.

"The limited-overs format is an interesting game. Anyone on their given day, if they have a good day, can win," King told the West Indies Cricket Board website.

"If a side has a below par game, they can lose. What we've got to make sure of is that we don't have a lot of bad games."

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