BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):

New West Indies vice-captain Dwayne Bravo says he is delighted with his new appointment, noting that the elevation came earlier than expected, but said he was mature enough to handle the role.

"I'm happy with the job as vice-captain of the West Indies team," Bravo told reporters on Sunday evening at the Grantley Adams Airport here ahead of the team's departure.

"It came quicker than I expected, as I have not been in the team for that very long, but I'm willing to do whatever is required to help the captain (Chris Gayle) and the team."

Elevation

Bravo's elevation came after Ramnaresh Sarwan was ruled out with a foot injury. The all-rounder added that Sarwan would be missed in the batting but noted it was crucial that the Windies did well in Zimbabwe.

"We believe we can beat Zimbabwe in all five matches and make a statement ahead of the trip to South Africa," Bravo said. "At the same time Zimbabwe won't be pushovers and we will show them respect. But South Africa are the 'bigger' opponents and that's the tour we need to win most of all."