Gibson's men to test their mettle

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Cricket365
November 6, 2013

Coach Ottis Gibson has welcomed next month's series against India as a true test of the West Indies' ability.

The teams will meet for two Tests in Kolkata and Mumbai, where the tourists will have the chance to build on recent triumphs over Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and New Zealand.

"This series against India gives us an opportunity to see where we are as a Test side. We've played some pretty good Test cricket, there's a lot that's been said about winning the matches," said Gibson.

"People have also spoken about the opposition we faced, so the India tour gives us an opportunity to test ourselves against them. We are looking forward to that challenge and continue our winnings ways."

The uncapped Sheldon Cottrell has been named in the touring squad. Cottrell enjoyed a solid stretch of form for the A side against their Sri Lanka counterparts and the Antigua Hawksbills in the Caribbean Premier League.

The left-arm seamer has effectively replaced fast bowler Shannon Gabriel, whose performance against Zimbabwe earlier this year was not good enough to gain reselection. Batsman Kirk Edwards, who has not played Test match cricket since June 2012, has been recalled.

"We'll have some sessions with the sports psychologist. We'll do things other than cricket as we bond and become a stronger unit. It's a long tour, starting with India and then straight on to New Zealand and we'll only be back next year. It's new and the guys are looking forward to it," concluded Gibson.