Twenty20 ideal for West Indies - Sarwan

Ramnaresh Sarwan, the West Indies captain, believes his team's aggressive approach would help them make a mark at the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa. Sarwan also feels that Brian Lara's absence provides a perfect opportunity for others to step-up in a format that is ideal for West Indies.

"Any team would miss Brian Lara but it's a matter of realising that there's more than just Brian," he added. "It [the tournament] sets itself up for us because we have players who can adjust their game. I wouldn't go as far as to say it's tailor-made for us, but in Twenty20, you have to be attacking and flamboyant, and that's the way we like to play our cricket."

Sarwan said the team was for once able to concentrate solely on cricket after build-ups for previous competitions were marred by pay disputes and was already feeling the difference.

"It's been very easy. In the past there have been too many negative things going on in the background," he told AFP. "This time we are very comfortable.

"We are always listed as underdogs but that is no problem for us," he said. "We know our ability and we know what we have to do. We have a very good team and I'm pleased with the players assembled for the tournament.

He picked Australia and South Africa as the favourites to win the tournament. "We know how well the Australians play in any form of the game and South Africa is very difficult to beat at home. That's not to discount ourselves, we are very capable but Twenty20 is an open game, there will be favourites but any team can prevail on the day which is what most people have been saying in 50-over cricket for some time but it is now more true in 20-over game."

Sarwan was happy with his own form, after missing much of the tour to England due to a shoulder injury. "I've been doing a lot of batting in the nets and a lot of gym work so I'm pretty happy with the way my injury has come along. I'm pleased and confident with the way I'm hitting the ball when I bat in the nets."

Meanwhile, the Nation reported that Fidel Edwards has been appointed "leader" of the West Indies bowling attack by Sarwan.

"You have to admire Fidel," Sarwan said. After being out of the team for a long time, to come back and bowl the way he did in England was really tremendous and I'm sure batsmen around the world are watching closely."

Sarwan was also pleased at having left-arm seamer Pedro Collins back in the team. "Pedro is an attacking bowler and a wicket-taker. He has the experience of playing at the highest level for some time now and will offer something different as a left-arm bowler with the ability to bring the ball back into the batsman."

West Indies play two warm up games against Kenya and New Zealand in Benoni before taking on South Africa in the opening match of the tournament on September 11.