ICC CWC 2007 mascot 'Mello' interacts with students at Alpha Infant School during a promotional visit to schools within the Sabina Park environs, conducted in association with Jamaica Cricket 2007 Ltd., the Local Organising Committee, recently. - Contributed

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):

Two legends of West Indies cricket have backed the home team to "go all the way" and win the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup.

Speaking late Saturday, Sir Viv Richards and Courtney Walsh said they believed this year's event could be the first time a home team wins the prestigious event.

"I have always said we have a very good chance of winning this World Cup. We have assembled a team that is good enough to compete at this level," Richards said as he was swamped by over 20 reporters after Saturday reopening ceremony at the Kensington Oval.

"There are so many things for them to motivate themselves for. No team has ever hosted a World Cup and won it so that is a great opportunity. Winning it as a West Indies unit is collectively good for the whole region and I believe we stand a very good chance."

Richards is a former West Indies captain who scored 6,721 runs in 187 one-day internationals.

He played in the 1975 World Cup champion team and was the batting hero four years later when the West Indies won for the second time.

Walsh, who was the first man to take 500 wickets in Test cricket, also gave the Windies a 'big up' as they prepare for a World Cup camp in Jamaica this week.

"I'm a true supporter of the West Indies team and I think we have picked a young, exciting crop of players who will do us proud. I don't just believe they will do well, I believe they have what it takes to win the World Cup," said Walsh, who represented the Windies for two decades.

"The camp in Jamaica will serve a useful purpose as the players come together. A lot is resting on their shoulders, but we have the right formula at the right time, in the right place," Walsh said.