Ganga wants focused, united team

Daren Ganga, the newly-appointed West Indies vice-captain, believes the team can turn around its form after a disappointing World Cup but filling the hole left by Brian Lara would be a huge challenge. Ganga said the players would need to adjust quickly to the different conditions in England.

"We're looking forward to playing better cricket as a team in the longer version of the game especially with the backdrop of the team's performance in the World Cup," Ganga said. "Also given the fact that one of our senior players in Brian Lara has left a big void with regards to experience in our side.

"It's going to be important for us to rally around each other and to ensure that we play together as a team knowing conditions in England are very challenging. It will require a big effort on the part of everyone to ensure that we remain competitive and focused on our objectives."

Ganga, who was not part of the World Cup squad, said leading the side along with Ramnaresh Sarwan, the new captain, would be a huge honour. "I'm looking forward to supporting Sarwan in every possible way to ensure that the team comes first and we represent our West Indian people with pride and honour," Ganga said.

"We have a very nice blend of young inexperienced players with players who have been around international cricket for a long time. This is going to ensure that we remain enthusiastic whilst we plan and execute efficiently against our opposition."