UNI

Bridgetown, Aug 25: West Indies vice-captain Ramnaresh Sarwan has challenged Team India to prove itself a worthy contender for next year’s World Cup, in the Malaysia tri-series, also featuring Australia.

“I don’t think India will be thinking about revenge after we beat them at home a few months back. India have a lot to prove as they are a genuine World Cup favourite and will want to show why,” Sarwan wrote in his column for a website.

Sarwan said his side was approaching the tournament as a preparation for the World Cup.

“The Malaysia event is going to be tough cricket, no doubt about it. India and Australia will be two of the favourites for next year’s World Cup. So this is good preparation for the West Indies,” the Windies vice-captain said.

Sarwan felt the conditions in Malaysia are likely to favour the Indians and the Champions Trophy hosts would be looking to get back into their groove after coming back from Sri Lanka without playing a single match due to inclement weather.

“They have more important things to worry about...like getting back on track before they host the Champions Trophy. India have so many quality players so I’m sure they will be backing themselves. The event is in Asia so they should find conditions a bit more favourable,” Sarwan added.

Speaking of the World Cup to be hosted for the first time in West Indies, Sarwan said though the Australians will once again be tipped to lift the trophy for a third consecutive time, the hosts will spare no effort in giving the defending champions a tough fight.

“Australia have won the World Cup for the last two occasions so we know they will be difficult to beat, but we will back ourselves to do well,” he said.