BRIDGETOWN (CMC):

West Indies Under-15 coach Keith Arthurton said he is pleased with the team's preparation, ahead of the start of the CLICO International Championship today.

Arthurton, the former Test batsman, said the side had been buoyed by victories in their warm-up matches and were looking forward to the opening match against Malaysia at Kensington Oval.

"The team's preparation was okay. We played against Comber-mere High School and Alexander School and came out on top in both matches," Arthurton said. "Kraigg Braithwaite impressed with 102 against Combermere, while Kyle Miles looked in good touch for his 61 against Alexander.

"Things are getting better and the guys continue to be focused. The camp was the ideal tonic ahead of the tournament. We had the opportunity to look at all the players and start from the top, rather than try them out during the actual tournament."

The knock-out phase of the tournament will run until next Thursday, while the league competition will bowl off April 26 and run until May 4.

The regional team will be led by prolific Trinidad & Tobago batsman and wicketkeeper Steven Katwaroo.

Other clash

In the other match today, Holland and Bangladesh will clash at the Police Sports Club at Weymouth.

The tournament will see matches hosted in Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Guyana, Barbados and St Kitts and will be the first of its kind since the Costcutter Under-15 World Championships won by the West Indies in 2000.

West Indies will be joined by Pakistan, Kenya, Malaysia, Ireland, Holland, Bangladesh and the International Cricket Council (ICC) Americas team, comprised of players from Bermuda, Canada, Cayman Islands and Bahamas.

Major countries England, New Zealand, South Africa, India and Australia have opted out of the tournament.