Walsh plumbs for West Indian win in World Cup

Mumbai, Nov 10 (UNI) Former West Indian pace bowler Courtney Walsh today predicted an West Indian win in the coming 2007 World Cup to be played in the Carribean islands.

Walsh, the ambassador at large of Jamaica was speaking at a Jamaican tourism board function here today.

The one time record holder for the most Test wickets said that the 2007 final would be a repeat of the 1983 final between India and West Indies with the difference that West Indies would reverse that 1983 result and win the World Cup for third time in its history.

Walsh, speaking about the role of Lloyd, said the former West Indian captain was doing a fine job and he should continue to stay and guide the team. Walsh also felt that Lara should bat at number four which would give him the maximum chance to guide the younger players.

At the moment Gayle is in the form of his life, but he is not getting the support required from the other batsmen. Therefore Lara should bat at number four so that he can partner Gayle as well as prevent middle order collapses.

On the issue of who will take over from Lara once he decides to hang up his boots, Walsh said it would be obviously Ramnaresh Sarwan as he is the vice captain.He, however left it for the West Indian board to decide on the matter.

On the West Indian bowling attack, Walsh said they have a good and young attack with people like Jerome Taylor showing a lot of promise. ''However, the fast bowlers should learn to avoid serious injuries and this is something for the physio and the bowler to work out,'' he added.

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