Windies players wal off the pitch during an ODI against New Zealand last year. The players started assembling for a pre-World Cup cricket camp yesterday. - Photo by Gordon Brooks/Digicel

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):

The West Indies players started assembling from late yesterday for a camp as they prepare for the 2007 Cricket World Cup (CWC).

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) announced yesterday that the players would have a workshop. The players will be together for the next week before the start of the warm-up matches.

Speaking yesterday, captain Brian Lara said the team was hoping to do well especially at home, and he predicted they are good bet for the semi-finals.

"We are looking to get to the semi-finals and then take it from there. We have a very good record at home, and the players are really looking forward to this major event," Lara said.

FIT AND READY TO GO

"We have a fit team that is ready to go. We have the ingredients to do well. We will be together for a few days before the World Cup gets going. It's the greatest tournament in the West Indies and we are looking forward to doing very well."

The West Indies have been drawn in Group D alongside Pakistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe in the first round of the World Cup.

The hosts play the first game against Pakistan at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica on March 13.