Brian Lara Feels West Indies Are In A Good Place Before India Series

Brian Lara, West Indies' performance mentor, feels that his players are in a good place and are moving in the right direction to produce a top-level performance against the visiting Indian team in the upcoming 2-match Test series.

The multi-format series will begin with the 1st Test on 12 July in Dominica.

West Indies recently failed to qualify for the One-Day International World Cup in India for the first time since the inception of the tournament in 1975.

"We have two very important Test matches which start the two-year cycle (World Test Championships) for us, it is against India. At home and away from home, they are one of the top teams in the world," said Lara.

"I think the guys are moving in the right direction, in terms of where we started the camp and where we are. It is just a few days off from the first match at Dominica, but it's a young group, ably lead by Kraigg Brathwaite.

"But I feel that some of the guys can come into their own in this series, it is a tough opposition, but I feel that's the way we can get the best out of them."

The host recently named their squad for the upcoming series, which featured two uncapped players in Kirk McKenzie and Alick Athanaze.

Lara, who also coaches Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League, spoke highly about the two individuals, claiming that they possess the right attitude to compete at the international level.

"Great capable players, young and of course, you would have loved if they had a lot more experience in the first-class arena, but looking at their style of play and attitude, I believe they do have what it takes to perform at the highest level," he said.

"It may take some time, but obviously as an international cricketer if you are entering this stage, no matter what age you enter, you got to learn very, very quickly. And, I think they have that sort of attitude to want to learn and (are) willing to listen," he concluded/