Dyson
ST JOHN'S, Antigua (CMC):
WEST INDIES head coach John Dyson is looking forward to his team doing "really well" in the upcoming Digicel Home Series 2008 against Australia.
The West Indies selectors on Tuesday named 17 players for a camp in Antigua from May 12 to 17 ahead of the Digicel Home Series, which bowls off in Jamaica on May 22.
Speaking earlier this week, Dyson expressed hope that the players would continue the improvement they showed in the recent Digicel Series against Sri Lanka. The Windies drew the Tests 1-1, and took the one-day series 2-0, with the final match being rained out.
Opportunity
"This is an opportunity to continue the work we did in the Digicel Series against Sri Lanka. Our last Test was a win and our last one-day series was also a win," Dyson stated in a West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) press release.
Dyson said the Sri Lanka performance provided 'positives' to build on and he expected the nucleus of the side that played against the Sri Lankans to feature against the world champions.
Going will be tough
"We believe the bulk of the team against Australia will come from the squad which played against Sri Lanka," Dyson said.
Turning to the Australians, Dyson said the series would be a tough challenge for his team, but he believes the Windies have the quality to match the visitors.
"We know it will be tough but we are ready for that challenge. We are looking forward to getting all the players in the right frame of mind so they can do really well," Dyson said.
"We have put all the systems in place and what I like about the group of players we have here is the consistency of selection.
Happy with group
Those selected will know what is required.
"Of course, there are others close to selection, who will also be hoping to grab a spot in the team. We are happy with the group that we have and we are confident as we prepare for the series," added the Australian, who took over last year as West Indies coach.
The Digicel Home Series 2008 between West Indies and Australia will have three Tests and five one-day international (ODI) matches.
The Tests are at Sabina Park in Jamaica, May 22-26, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, May 30-June 3, and Kensington Oval, Barbados, June 12-16.
The ODIs start at Arnos Vale in St Vincent on June 24, will continue with games two and three at Grenada National Stadium on June 27 and 29, and the series concludes at Warner Park in St Kitts with games on July 4 and 6.
Clarke to miss start of Test tour
BRISBANE, Australia (AP):
VICE-CAPTAIN Michael Clarke has withdrawn from the start of Australia's three-Test tour to the West Indies for family reasons.
The remainder of the squad broke camp in Brisbane yesterday and will leave today for Jamaica.
Cricket Australia (CA) released a statement saying Clarke had been granted "compassionate leave for private family reasons" and his arrival date in the West Indies remained unclear.
Domestic media reported that Clarke asked for a delay in his departure due to the failing health of his fiancée Lara Bingle's father, Graham, who reportedly has liver cancer.
Engaged
Clarke, who elected not to play in the lucrative ongoing Indian Premier League Twenty20 competition so that he could spend time with his family, became engaged to model Bingle during a holiday in New York in March.
"I will not be travelling to the West Indies with the team due to family reasons. I am looking forward to getting over there as soon as possible," Clarke said. "Both Lara and I would appreciate courtesy and privacy during this time. Thanks in advance for your understanding and support."
Hussey to act as skipper
Mike Hussey will act as captain Ricky Ponting's deputy until Clarke rejoins the team, CA confirmed.
Brad Hodge, currently playing in India, was named as shadow player and will join the squad en route to the Caribbean.
"Brad has had another strong domestic season with Victoria in all forms of the game. He is still very highly regarded by the national selection panel and this provides him with another opportunity to be involved with the Australian squad," chief selector Andrew Hilditch said.
