Coach Williams happy ahead of Series opener‏

West Indies coach Dave Williams believes that unity is strength. The former Windies keeper is convinced that the harmony and camaraderie in the West Indies camp could be driving force as they seek to topple Australia in the upcoming three-match Test Series.

According to him, the team members have bonded well on tour so far and he expects “great things” from the players in the series. The first match bowls off on Thursday at the Gabba in Brisbane. First ball is at 10 am (8 pm Wednesday Eastern Caribbean Time/7 pm Jamaica Time) as the two teams compete for the coveted Frank Worrell Trophy.

“We have come together here as a team and the team spirit is very good. Even before we left the Caribbean we knew what to expect and we had discussions which outlined what would be required. Australia is a tough place to play cricket for visiting teams and we know we have to work hard and work for each other. We have no problems at all. At the end of the day we are looking for good performances and looking to beat the Australians,” Williams said after another intense training session on Tuesday morning at Allan Border Field.

He added: “We have a new-look bowling attack, and with Jerome Taylor as the spearhead and we know he can be a handful. The bowlers know what is expected and this series is a chance to make a name for themselves. We are taking it one step at a time. We have made our plans and we know the areas we have to work on and capitalise when we get in winning positions.”

Williams said the team unit received a boost with the news that inspirational captain Chris Gayle is expected to return to Australia on Wednesday morning after visiting his mother who was hospitalised in Kingston, Jamaica. “It’s going to be very important for us to have him here. As everyone knows he’s a key member of the side,” Williams said.

“There have been many positive signs and we are really excited going into the Test Series. We have a couple of days to go and another practice session tomorrow (Wednesday). We have to look at the pitch and see how it plays before we make any decisions. I am pleased with the work ethic of all the players and we the contributions they have been making.”

The second Test will be played at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide from Friday December 4 to Tuesday December 8; while the third Test will be at the WACA Ground in Perth from Wednesday December 16 to Sunday December 20.