Gibson backs WI youngsters

Dhaka - West Indies coach Ottis Gibson on Thursday backed his young players to perform during their tour of Bangladesh as he looks to build a team for the future.

The West Indies, led by all-rounder Darren Sammy, are scheduled to play two Tests, three one-day internationals and a one-off Twenty20 match during the month-long tour.

The tourists have four players on their maiden overseas tour - openers Danza Hyatt and Kieran Powell, all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite and leg-spinner Anthony Martin.

"Some of the youngsters have taken the opportunity and done very well for us," said Gibson, a former West Indian paceman. "As we continue to build for the future, we build around those young guys and some of the senior guys."

But they travel without seasoned batsmen Chris Gayle and Ramnaresh Sarwan and all-rounder Dwayne Bravo.

"We believe we are building a team and we are seeing signs of improvement from the players. I know they are all capable and ready to take this opportunity," said Gibson.

There are some positive signs for Gibson, including leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, who made his international debut at the World Cup this year and was named the Emerging Player of the Year after impressive Test and one-day form.

Bangladesh are expected to use spin to hem the tourists in on low, slow pitches, but Gibson said his team were prepared to counter the slow bowling.

"We understand that in the Bangladeshi line-up they have several left-arm spinners, so that obviously means they will be counting heavily on their slow bowlers," said Gibson.

"Everyone knows that Bangladesh will be tough in these conditions, but we believe we have done the work that will enable us to do well against their bowlers."

The West Indies will play two warm-up matches before the Twenty20 match in Dhaka on October 11.

West Indies:

Limited-over squad:
Darren Sammy (captain), Adrian Barath, Devendra Bishoo, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Danza Hyatt, Anthony Martin, Kieron Pollard, Kieran Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons.

Test squad:
Darren Sammy (captain), Adrian Barath, Carlton Baugh, Devendra Bishoo, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Fidel Edwards, Kirk Edwards, Kieran Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Shane Shillingford.