News: Windies capable of winning against Australia: Gayle

Competing against a team which is in top form will surely be tough but West Indies skipper Chris Gayle feels that Australia is beatable. Windies lost the three match Test series 2-0 against the Aussies last month but now they are all geared up for the limited-overs matches series Down Under.

"I am feeling really good. I'm happy to be back in the groove and representing the West Indies. We are without two key batsmen, Shivnarain Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan but this is a chance for other players to grab the opportunity and make a name. It will be a challenging tour but I know we are capable of winning," Gayle said.

Australia is on a high after a complete whitewash against Pakistan, defeating the visitors in all three formats of the game. They will now play West Indies in five one-dayers and two Twenty internationals.

But before the start of the series West Indies are suffering from major injury blows. Bowlers Fidel Edwards and Jerome Taylor have been ruled out due to injuries. With little options left, West Indies cricket board has roped in youngsters Kemar Roach, who is just seven ODIs old, and Gavin Tonge who has managed to play five. Pacer Ravi Rampaul has also been recalled back in the limited-overs team.

Despite a fairly inexperienced squad, Gayle is confident that they can pose a tough fight. "The Aussies are a good team and they played well against Pakistan, but they are beatable," he said.

"We have been watching the series and we have seen what the Australians have to offer. On our side we have a lot to offer. We have depth, and we have players who are capable match-winners. Everyone knows what is required," he added.

Both the teams play the first ODI on Sunday at Melbourne and before the Windies start their tour they play a warm up match against Mathew Hayden-led Prime Minister’s XI on Thursday.

"We know the Aussies will come hard against us and we know we have to be on the money. We need a good start and we will be looking to start well against the Prime Minister's XI. This will be a very serious game for us. We want a solid start and we want all the players to be in the right frame of mind when we take to the field on Thursday," Gayle said.