Hosts will start Test series as favourites, feels former stumper

St John's, Antigua, May 30 (UNI) West Indies' 4-1 win against Team India in the just concluded ODI series has changed the equation and Brian Lara's side will go into the Test series as favourites, opined former wicketkeeper Deryck Murray.

''The one day series could have been 3-2 rather than 4-1. But it's a great fillip for West Indies cricket as we have been in the doldrums for long. It's great for the players to celebrate victory and it will do a lot to the confidence of the players going to the Test series,'' said Murray, whom the great Frank Worrell had entrusted the wicketkeeping position in England in 1963.

''We are expecting more good cricket and the home team looks to have the advantage,'' said the legendary stumper.

The Indian team, with battered pride, arrived here yesterday from Port of Spain, Trinidad to play the first Test match beginning here on June 2.

Murray, who played in the West Indies team as keeper from 1963 for 17 long years feels that bring back Brian Lara as captain made all the difference.

''Lara back as captain made the difference. He is a legend in his own life time. He would be an inspiration to the team. It is a great feeling for younger players to have somebody of his stature in the dressing room and also somebody who is mentoring them, helping them and guiding them. As a captain, of course he is a very good leader who makes all the difference in the overall psyche of the team,'' he said.

Murray also said for the good of West Indies cricket, Lara should continue for long.

''I refuse to believe that it was his last home ODI match in Port of Spain. I hope he is back in 2008. As the team continues to do well, it should be an incentive for him to continue playing. I hope he continues to play as long as he is fit and getting runs, '' added Murray.

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