Walsh expected to tour Australia

Courtney Walsh has told West Indian officials he will be available for the tour to Australia starting next month.

The 37 year-old West Indian bowling legend had indicated he might follow in Curtly Ambrose's footsteps by retiring before the Australia tour got underway.

But the challenge of becoming the first bowler to claim 500 Test wickets is expected to keep him going as Jimmy Adam's side seek to redeem their reputation following a disappointing tour of England.

Walsh, who was nicknamed 'Duracell' during his time at Gloucestershire because of his amazing work rate, has already taken 483 wickets in 122 Tests to move 49 clear of previous record holder Kapil Dev of India.

West Indies chairman of selectors Mike Findlay told the Sydney Morning Herald: ``We had a discussion on the telephone and he informed me he would be available to tour Australia.

``Now the selectors have to meet on Monday and come up with touring squad.

``Courtney is yet to tell us if he will be available for one-day games as well as Tests, but we'll talk about that in the not too distant future.

``He has given a lot of service to West Indies cricket over the years, and we are happy with his decision to play.

``We feel we have already started on the re-building of the team, the process is under way.

``Now it's a matter of looking at the results and performances in England and putting a side together.

``Obviously, with a guy as experienced as Courtney making himself available, we are confident of putting together a strong team.''

Findlay also confirmed that the squad to tour Australia would be captained by Jimmy Adams, despite the Jamaican coming in for criticism for his performances in the field this summer.