England, West Indies face off
Published:Tuesday | May 5, 2009 | 1:00 PM
West Indies cricketers staged their final net session today in preparation for the opening Test against hosts England, which bowls off tomorrow at Lord’s.
West Indies captain Chris Gayle, who arrived in England only 48 hours before the Test, says he is not worried about his form.
Gayle was in South Africa taking part in the Indian Premier League for the Kolkata Knight Riders.
The Jamaican left-hander was given permission by the West Indies Cricket Board to delay his arrival in England and devote his attentions to the Kolkata Knight Riders.
But Gayle insists he is ready to step up to the five-day game.
He said he is in good form and is now focusing on Test cricket.
He further said the team is well prepared and mentally ready to handle the situation in England.
Meanwhile, England captain Andrew Strauss has tipped Tim Bresnan and Graham Onions to make a big impact in the first Test.
The uncapped pace bowlers look set to be handed debuts in a new-look attack when the England team is announced just before the toss.
Strauss said he wants to make amends for losing the Wisden Trophy in the Caribbean recently by winning it back straight away in the two-Test series.