BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):
West Indies selectors will meet here early today to examine the team for the Cricket World Cup.
Coach Bennett King said yesterday evening he and the selection panel would be sitting down to streamline the side but stopped short of saying they would be picking the final 15.
"We had to submit 30 players to the ICC (International Cricket Council) and we are here to look at other areas,Ó King said. "Are we going to pick the final 15 É maybe, maybe not É we'll let you know."
King was speaking shortly after the West Indies team returned home from the four-match tour of India, which ended earlier this week. The West Indies lost the series 3-1.
Australian King was joined by fellow selector Clyde Butts, the former Guyana captain and West Indies spinner at the airport. The other two selectors are convenor Gordon Greenidge, the former West Indies batting great, and legendary fast bowler Andy Roberts. The deadline to submit the final 15 for the Cricket World Cup is February 13.
"We are just back from India and we have to look at all the options we have. What I would say is that we have about a core of about 10 players who we believe we are kind of comfortable with. That is normal with most sides," King said.
"The last three to five spots at the moment, is a bit interesting, as we look to get the correct balance for the side."
The West Indies are drawn in Group D for the Cricket World Cup alongside Pakistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe. They will play the opening round at Sabina Park, Jamaica.