King optimistic, Smith raring to win

After losing their fourth consecutive series to South Africa, West Indies' coach, Bennett King, has said that their approach will be as positive in the fourth Test - which begins in Antigua tomorrow - as it has been through the series.

"People have noticed an improvement in the way the players have been approaching the cricket on the field, but it has not turned into results just yet," King was quoted by AFP. "Coming into this role, I was not expecting to all of a sudden see West Indies become the No. 1 side in the world. Things take time. It cannot be fixed in a matter of months, but over a period of time.

"What the period of time is, I do not know, but if they are not improving from match to match, then I'll start asking myself questions about if I am doing the job I am supposed to be doing," he continued. "While the players are still in the process of improving, and they are giving me that feedback, I'll continue going down the same path for the time-being."

There were two changes to the squad, with Tino Best replacing Reon King, while Ryan Hinds made way for Narsingh Deonarine.

Best, who has not played competitive cricket since the England tour last August due to a back injury, said he was raring to go in the fourth Test without feeling the pressures that are part of a comeback. "It is always a good opportunity to play for the West Indies. I relish the opportunity," Best was quoted in the Jamaica Observer. "I think I'm fit. I'm 100%. I've been working hard. The physical trainer is doing a great job so far.

"I don't feel under any pressure. That's the number one thing you get out of your mind, any pressure on your mind. You just want to go and relax and feel confident. As long as you put on that maroon cap you always feel confident. Just work hard."

However, South Africa are looking to continue piling the misery on their distraught opponents. Graeme Smith indicated that his side would not take things lightly despite winning the series. "One thing we learnt from the eight or nine months of tough times is that we cannot afford to take a Test match win, Test match form or personal form for granted, so we will be looking to perform well out there every single day of the match.

"Some people may look back at our victories in Trinidad and in Barbados and may consider them easy, but there were far from being easy wins," he said. "We have worked very hard for our two victories under some trying conditions. We should never be satisfied with our position, and we should look to take our game up a level or two each time."