Sammy backs Windies youth and veterans

West Indies skipper Darren Sammy believes his team's mixture of raw youth and battle-scarred veterans can knock Australia out of their stride when the five-game, one-day series starts tomorrow.

The first three matches all take place at Arnos Vale, as international cricket returns to St Vincent for the first time since March, 2010.

"Johnson Charles is an exciting prospect and we also have Sunil Narine, who is a very good spinner, and also Andre Russell, the exciting allrounder, who can do the job that is required," said 28-year-old Sammy.

"We have some players who are making a return to international cricket like Tino Best, who has been bowling very well, and Dwayne Bravo, who says he is very excited to be back in the maroon shirt.

"We are team which will be very competitive against the Australians. We will look to play hard cricket and look for wins."

Sammy said he enjoys playing at Arnos Vale. Two years ago, he recorded career-best ODI figures of four for 26 against Zimbabwe while back, in 2009, he took five for 70 against Bangladesh in a Test match.

"We have to believe we have it in us to win," he added.

"We will look to hit the ground running and start the series on a winning note. Arnos Vale has been a good venue for us. The last time we played here we won the matches and we enjoy the crowd support from the fans and the atmosphere at this venue is always superb.

He added: "We are playing against the Australians, and everyone knows they are a good team ... a very competitive team. But we are focussing on us and what we have to do."

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