West Indies continue their preparation for the upcoming Test series against England when they face Essex County Club in a three-day game which starts today at Chelmsford at 11 a.m. (5 a.m. Ja time).

All-rounder Darren Sammy is eagerly looking forward to the game, following the side's good showing in the first three-day match against Leicestershire County at Grace Road earlier this week.

"We have started the tour pretty well and we are looking forward to doing well in the matches as we build up for the two Tests against England. The weather has been very good, the sun is out and it is not cold and damp," Sammy said after yesterday's training session at the county ground.

"This is a very important tour for us. We defeated England (in the Test series) at home and we are looking to win on English soil as well. It will be a different kind of challenge in different conditions, but we have confidence and we have been playing some good cricket. People looking on from the outside have been able to see the positive signs and the aim is to move from strength to strength."

Wisden Trophy

The West Indies won the Wisden Trophy when they defeated England 1-0 in the five-match Digicel Test Series in the Caribbean in February and March.

The 25-year-old Sammy is experienced in English conditions. He had a stint at the MCC Young Cricketers and played League cricket for several seasons. He played one Test match during the 2007 tour, taking a career-best 7-66 with his medium-pace on debut at Old Trafford.

"England is my favourite place to play cricket. The conditions here favour my style of cricket as a swing bowler and a lower-order batsman. The last time we were in England it was a good tour for me and at this stage I feel confident. I am looking to improve on my overall game and use these warm-up games as a chance to get fully ready for the Tests."