All accounted for in Brisbane

Opening batsman Christopher Gayle and fellow left-hander Wavell Hinds joined the squad yesterday, and participated in the all-day training session, despite spending the last two days travelling.

"All of us on the management team, and all the players are excited to see both Chris and Wavell, and I know they are aware of the tough task at hand in preparing for this three-Test series against Australia," King said in a team news release.

"They certainly showed a lot of enthusiasm and energy for guys who have just travelled across the world and that’s good to see.

"These days give us a chance to practice and prepare ahead of our first match at excellent facilities which aren’t available to us in the West Indies." King added it was also good to see batting kingpin Brian Lara lead the fitness work and encouraging the players.

"The boys have started to put in some hard work and we expect more of this in the days to follow," he said.

After the intense day of practice and training, West Indies vice-captain Ramnaresh Sarwan and fast bowler Fidel Edwards expressed satisfaction with the physically demanding sessions.

"We’ve started to put in some tough work, and we need to up the ante, and ensure that we are fully prepared by the First Test," Sarwan said.

"I’m looking forward to an exciting time for our young team. Everyone knows that we are a very talented unit, but we have to be more consistent in doing the basic things right. Consistency is one of our main watch-word."

Edwards noted that West Indies were in Australia not to come last, but to win.

"I’ll do my best to help the team to achieve this goal," he said. "My job is to bowl fast, I’m looking forward to doing that and to taking wickets to help our team win." He also had an ominous warning for hosts Australia.

"Physically this is the best I’ve felt for quite a while, and I’m anxious to get out there and play Test cricket and reap success," he said.

Edwards was also impressed with the facilities.

"This is my first time in Australia and the facilities are excellent, and it’s good for us to come over a bit early and utilise these facilities in our preparation," he said.

The West Indies will continue to have all-day practice and fitness sessions in the lead-up to the first practice match against Queensland at the Allan Border Field, starting on Thursday.

The West Indies face Australia in a three-Test series, starting November 3 at the Gabba in Brisbane.