TORONTO, Canada – West Indies captain Chris Gayle says the regional side intended to play tough cricket in order to make a winning start to the Tri-Nation Series against Bermuda today.

Gayle said despite the nature of the opposition – Bermuda are an ICC Associate team – West Indies would take the game seriously.

"We will be looking to step on the gas and make a winning start. We are looking forward to this game and the other games and we are here to play really hard," Gayle said from the team hotel ahead of yesterday's training session.

"I have spoken to all the players and they fully understand why we are here and what is required. This is an official ODI. We are not taking anyone for granted. We will play hard cricket whoever we meet."

In the opening match of the series on Monday, hosts Canada defeated Bermuda by 25 runs at the Maple Leaf Cricket Club. The West Indies will face Canada on Friday before the best two teams clash in Sunday's final.

Gayle, recently re-appointed captain for the Tri-Nation Series and next month's ICC Champions Trophy after withdrawing his resignation letter, said he was keen in excelling in his leadership role.

"I'm totally comfortable as captain. I am looking to do a good job for West Indies cricket and see how we can continue to work as a team. Communication with everyone is key at this stage and my main focus is to contribute in a big way as a leader and a player," said the 28-year-old, who has made 6 487 runs and collected 149 wickets in 184 ODIs.

"I have everyone's support and it is good to be back with the players once more. The duty has started here and we have three games to win before we move on to the Champions Trophy in Pakistan."

West Indies, who are using the Tri-Nation Series as a build up to the Champions Trophy, have been drawn alongside Australia, Pakistan and India in the preliminary round of the September 12 to 28 tournament.

Before the Champions Trophy, the Windies will have warm-up games against Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

SQUADS:

WEST INDIES – Chris Gayle (captain), Ramnaresh Sarwan (vice-captain), Carlton Baugh, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Fidel Edwards, Shawn Findlay, Leon Johnson, Xavier Marshall, Nikita Miller, Dave Mohammed, Brendan Nash, Daren Powell, Kemar Roach, Jerome Taylor.

BERMUDA – Irving Romaine (captain), Rodney Trott (vice-captain), Stephen Outerbridge, Jekon Edness, Stefan Kelly, Dwayne Leverock, Ryan Steede, Tamauri Tucker, George O'Brien, Oronde Bascome, Kyle Hodsoll, Chris Douglas, Delyone Borden, Lionel Cann. (CMC)