West Indies player profiles

Brian Lara (captain, DOB 2/5/69, caps 275)

Lara's standing in the game is as lofty as any batsman of the modern era. A stroke-maker of the highest calibre, the 37-year-old will be keen to show his ability to lead his side to glory has not diminished with age.

Ramnaresh Sarwan (vice-captain, 23/6/80, 107)

A prolific and highly talented one-day batsman, Sarwan made two half-centuries in his side’s successful ICC Champions Trophy campaign in 2004. Now in a position of authority, he will be hoping for similar results this year.

Carlton Baugh (wkt, 23/6/82, 17)

Will see the tournament as a chance to firmly establish himself at the highest level.Has had a low-key start to his international career and yet to score the volume of runs necessary to make the gloves his own.

Ian Bradshaw (9/7/74, 47)

Starred with the bat as West Indies defeated England in the Champions Trophy final two years ago, but a seamer by trade. Though not a Curtly Ambrose or Courtney Walsh figure, left-armer Bradshaw has developed into a well-drilled new-ball bowler.

Dwayne Bravo (7/10/83, 48)

A gutsy cricketer, Bravo has impressed many observers with his all-round skills and aggressive on-field attitude. Has enjoyed success as a medium-pacer and a late-order batsman but will be looking for consistency.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul (16/8/74, 196)

Hoping to regain his best form after standing down as captain earlier this year. A truly world-class performer, he has scored well enough and consistently enough to be considered a major threat.

Corey Collymore (21/12/77, 70)

Collymore has impressed most for his country when performing the role of container with the ball. He lacks the ability to intimidate top-class batsman but can be effective and economical in the one-day arena.

Fidel Edwards (6/2/82, 21)

Fast-tracked on to the international stage after the very briefest of apprenticeships with Barbados, Edwards possesses an unpredictability that serves him well. Picked up 6-22 on his ODI debut in 2003 but can be expensive.

Chris Gayle (21/9/79, 143)

One of the most destructive and effective limited-overs players in the game, Gayle is the team's cornerstone in ODIs. With 140 games, 12 centuries and in excess of 100 wickets to his name, his form will be key to West Indies’ success.

Wavell Hinds (7/9/76, 110)

Despite bags of experience and plenty of chances, Hinds has yet to become the player he promised to be when he burst on to the scene in 2000. His batting varies from sublime to disinterested, but Hinds was an important figure with the ball in the 2004 tournament.

Runako Morton (22/7/78, 22)

A surprise selection in the West Indies party, Morton has undoubted talent with the bat but has long been undermined by disciplinary problems. A promising one-day record shows two hundreds in 19 innings, although his place is not assured.

Marlon Samuels (05/01/81, 67)

A sure-headed cricketer whose record at the highest level does little justice to what is a genuine talent. His ODI averages - below 30 with the bat and nearly 40 with the ball - hint at an unfulfilled player.

Dwayne Smith (12.04.83, 47)

Although highly-regarded in West Indian circles - Viv Richards is said to be a fan - Smith can count himself lucky to be in India after a poor run. Yet to sparkle with the bat but offers lively fielding and a medium-pace option.

Jerome Taylor (22/06/84, 16)

Another youngster brought into the side while still callow at first-class level. The expectation surrounding Taylor is huge. Genuinely pacy and happy to attack batsmen, the 22-year-old has quickly become a popular and important member of Lara's bowling attack.