World champions Australia hope that some fresh faces, fresh legs, and a different format will help them dominate their five-match One-day International series against West Indies, starting on Tuesday at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex here.
Although Australia won the preceding three-Test series 2-0, West Indies were far more competitive than expected, and gave strong evidence that they may be turning the corner on their wretched status in international cricket.
Australia have been boosted for the series by the arrival of a half-dozen limited-overs specialists whom they hope will carry them over the top. They are Nathan Bracken, James Hopes, David Hussey, Shaun Marsh, Shane Watson, and Cameron White.
The six have arrived at a crucial time for Australia with Andrew Symonds nursing a sore back, Brad Haddin recuperating from a broken finger, and Brett Lee still trying to overcome his exertions on unforgiving pitches in the Test series.
They could all expect to feature in the first ODI as Australia start to shop around for players to defend the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled to be contested in September in Pakistan.
Australia will also be mindful of giving the players as much opportunities as possible in a period when their side is going through a transition. They will want to make it as seamless as possible and avoid the pitfalls of other sides around the world, most notably their hosts. History favours a West Indies victory at this venue. They have won the two ODIs the two sides have contested at the ground in 1995 and 1999.
SQUADS: West Indies (from): Chris Gayle (captain), Ramnaresh Sarwan (vice-captain), Sulieman Benn, Dwayne Bravo, Patrick Browne, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Fidel Edwards, Andre Fletcher, Xavier Marshall, Kieron Pollard, Daren Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Darren Sammy, Jerome Taylor.
AUSTRALIA (FROM): Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke (vice-captain), Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Brad Haddin, James Hopes, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Shaun Marsh, Luke Ronchi, Andrew Symonds, Shane Watson, Cameron White. Umpires: Billy Doctrove, Asad Rauf, TV Replays: Goaland Greaves, Reserve: Vincent Bullen. Match referee: Roshan Mahanama.