Chris Gayle has taken another step in his comeback from a groin injury by practising with the Test squad in Jamaica © DigicelCricket.com Enlarge

Gordon Greenidge, the West Indies convenor of selectors, has told his team to be more forceful and consistent during the series against Australia, which starts at Sabina Park on Thursday. The hosts face a serious threat against the world champions, especially without their injured captain Chris Gayle, but Greenidge has outlined a game plan he hopes will be successful.

"We have to decide to be more forceful, more positive and spend time at the crease," he told AFP. "What we want is consistency. This is something we have been fighting for over the years. This series presents an opportunity for players to be counted - new players and established players."

Ramnaresh Sarwan will lead the team, which also welcomes back Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Dwayne Bravo from the Indian Premier League, after Gayle was unavailable due to a groin injury. In a good sign for the side Gayle was able to join the squad for a light session in Jamaica and batted on the outfield.

Greenidge has demanded a positive approach for the series. "In this case it does not mean going overboard and trying to hit every ball to the boundary," he said. "Common sense has to prevail. You have to first see what is happening and then be positive in your approach."