Waugh says Caribbean trip will be tough

SYDNEY: Australian Test cricket captain Steve Waugh said yesterday his team will take on a rejuvenated West Indies side when they travel to the Caribbean next month for a four-Test tour.

“They’re one of the few sides in world cricket on the up,” Waugh said. “(Chairman of selectors) Viv Richards seems to have quite a bit of say in West Indies cricket, which is good for them. World cricket needs them to come back.” Waugh says the home side’s batsmen will be tough. “Their batting looks very strong and there’s some very good young players — Ramnaresh Sarwan, Marlon Samuels, Chris Gayle, Wavell Hinds, then you’ve got (Shivnarine) Chanderpaul, Brian Lara, Carl Hooper and (Ridley) Jacobs there so it’s an excellent batting side. “Jermaine Lawson looks like a good bowling prospect and then you’ve got Merv Dillon and we’ve come across a few other blokes. “They’re going to be a lot tougher than people give them credit for and we certainly won’t be underestimating them. They went through a tough phase for a few years there and they’ve rebounded fairly well and they seem to be more together.”

Australia drew 2-2 during their last Caribbean visit when Waugh’s first series as captain was almost destroyed by remarkable performances from Lara, who averages almost 50 against Australia. “He’ll certainly lift for an Australian series, he always does,” Waugh said of Lara. “He was phenomenal last time we were there and, knowing him, he will want to play well against the best side in the world so he’ll definitely fire up.” Waugh said he enjoys going to the Caribbean. “It’s a fantastic place to play cricket — it’s my favourite,” he said. “The crowds can sometimes be volatile but they really love their cricket and they get enjoyment out of watching it. “The wickets were a little bit unpredictable on the last couple of tours and you can’t take anything for granted.” The tour is to begin with a three-day match in Georgetown, Guyana on April 5 ahead of the First Test there. Seven One-Day Internationals are also scheduled.