PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC):

WEST INDIES all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has given new West Indies captain Chris Gayle a huge vote of confidence, saying he had the ability to get the best out of the players.

"Chris Gayle has a great record as captain and the players respect him. He has the support of the guys and he gets them to perform," Bravo said.

"I personally have a lot of respect for him and he also respects me and knows what I stand for. I think we have a good camaraderie going between us and this will only help the team," he said.

Bravo is expected to be officially announced as the vice-captain for the tour of Zimbabwe and he said he was looking forward to the challenge.

He has never captained his native T&T but was captain of one of the trial matches that was recently held here in preparation for the KFC Cup.

"It is really a great feeling to be given the vice-captaincy job. I never thought that this would come my way at such a young age, but it has and I intend to give it my best shot," the 24-year-old said.

"Gayle can expect 100 per cent support from me on and off the field of play."

Zimbabwe international

The West Indies leave today for Zimbabwe where they will contest five one-day internationals against the hosts starting November 30.

Bravo said the region could expect good results from the West Indies in Zimbabwe.

"We are going down there to do our best and once this is achieved we will win the series. The guys are all keen on proving themselves, and we are going there to win," Bravo said.

Looking at his personal form, Bravo said he was feeling great both physically and mentally.

"Physically and mentally I am feeling great and during the KFC Cup and the camp I was hitting the ball well and also bowling good spells," Bravo said.

"This gives me a lot of confidence going into the series and hopefully I can get good returns that would help me, when we visit South Africa after."

Bravo made his Test debut at Lord's in July 2004 and has appeared in 23 Tests, scoring 1404 runs at an average of 34.24 and a highest score of 113. He has taken 45 wickets.

In 71 one-day internationals he has scored 992 runs at an average of 24.19 with a highest of 113 not out and has taken 78 wickets.